Between February 21 and 23, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held the 19^th Meeting of the SAFE  Working Group in Brussels and finalized the 2018 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards (to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade).

Over 100 delegates attended from Customs administrations, partner government agencies, the Private Sector Consultative Group, international organizations and academia to finalize the 2018 SAFE Framework of Standards.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Ana B. Hinojosa, WCO Director Compliance and Facilitation, underlined the importance of the SAFE Framework of Standards and associated tools with regard to enhancing supply chain security and facilitation through enhanced partnerships based on trust, transparency and technology.

The updated SAFE Framework includes:

• The requirement of advance electronic data on postal items;
• The addition of text on data quality;
• A provision for certain minimum tangible benefits to Authorized Economic Operators (AEO);
• The harmonizing of data filing requirements and Single Window concepts;
• Strengthening of cooperation with other government agencies.

The updated SAFE Framework of Standards will be presented to June 2018 Policy Commission and the Council before publication.

The WCO press release may be found here:

http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2018/february/19th-meeting-of-the-safe-working-group-finalized-the-2018-edition-of-the-safe-framework-of-standards.aspx