UAE Customs Participates in World Customs Organization Customs Co-operation Council Sessions Held in Brussels

The United Arab Emirates, represented by UAE Customs, participated in the 147th and 148th Sessions of the Customs Co-operation Council of the World Customs Organization (WCO), held at the Organization’s headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 25 to 27 June 2026. The sessions brought together Directors General of Customs from WCO member administrations and featured opening addresses by the heads of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and INTERPOL.

The UAE delegation was led by H.E. Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi, Acting Director General of Customs and Ports Security at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).

During the sessions, participants discussed and adopted a number of international standards, technical tools, and guidance documents aimed at advancing customs practices worldwide. Key outcomes included the correlation tables between the Harmonized System (HS) 2022 and HS 2028, the Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines, the fourth edition of the Time Release Study Guide, and enhancements to the Green Customs Self-Assessment Tool. Discussions also addressed the use of emerging technologies to strengthen customs controls and explored the Organization’s future strategic direction. The Council also reviewed the WCO’s 2025/2026 Annual Report and discussed a range of issues related to customs technology, policy, governance, international cooperation, and the application of artificial intelligence across customs operations.

In his opening remarks, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders stressed the importance of international cooperation among customs administrations and relevant international organisations in combating illicit trade, safeguarding the security and integrity of global supply chains, and addressing emerging challenges. He noted that customs administrations serve as the first line of defence in protecting the international community.

The programme also featured strategic dialogue sessions covering topics such as recognising data as a strategic asset and the WCO’s role in fostering a data-driven customs environment, as well as strengthening the role of customs administrations in protecting communities from illicit drug trafficking.

A dedicated session was also held to present the outcomes of the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition 2026, hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi. During the discussion, the World Customs Organization and a number of member administrations, including China, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan, commended the UAE for its successful hosting of the event and its continued support for WCO programmes and initiatives, recognising the country’s contribution to the advancement of the global customs community.

H.E. Ahmed Abdullah bin Lahej Al Falasi reaffirmed the UAE’s continued commitment to strengthening international customs cooperation and supporting the World Customs Organization. He noted that the UAE will continue working closely with the WCO Secretariat to identify practical initiatives and tangible outcomes that the UAE can support based on the discussions and recommendations emerging from the Customs Co-operation Council sessions. He added that the success of the conference reflects the strength of the longstanding partnership between the UAE and the World Customs Organization.

On the sidelines of the sessions, the UAE Customs delegation met with the WCO Secretary General to discuss opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between UAE Customs and the Organization. During the meeting, the Secretary General commended the UAE’s successful hosting of the WCO Technology Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Abu Dhabi last January and praised the UAE’s continued support for the Organization and its contributions to advancing customs practices globally.

The UAE Customs delegation also held a series of bilateral meetings with partner countries, including New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Italy, and Azerbaijan, to discuss ways to strengthen customs cooperation, review existing areas of collaboration, and explore opportunities to expand partnerships and exchange expertise in areas of mutual interest. In addition, the delegation participated in several coordination meetings and side events, including the coordination meeting of Directors General of Customs for the North of Africa, Near and Middle East Region (MENA) (Region 64), a joint meeting of the Executive Council of the GCC Customs Union Authority, and a luncheon meeting of Directors General of Customs from the BRICS Working Group 2026, hosted and chaired by the Republic of India.