The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, in the name of Hong Kong, China and in the capacity of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, led a delegation to attend the 92nd Session of the Policy Commission and the 145th/146th Customs Co-operation Council (CCC) Sessions of the WCO in Brussels, Belgium, from June 23 to 28. Two customs co-operation arrangements were reached in the latter, namely the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes with Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia and the MOU Regarding Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance with the South African Revenue Service. The trip concluded yesterday (June 28).

     The Policy Commission of the WCO holds at least two sessions annually to discuss and determine the roles and functions of the WCO. Mr Chan conveyed views of the A/P members to the Policy Commission at the session, which was held from June 23 to 25.

     Mr Chan subsequently attended the 145th/146th CCC Sessions held from June 26 to 28, which serve as an annual high-level WCO meeting assembling heads and senior officials from 186 Customs administrations around the world. It provides a pivotal platform for Customs representatives to discuss and convene a broad spectrum of issues, such as enforcement collaboration, international standards, trade facilitation, border security, capacity building, e-commerce, data strategy and Green Customs. Hong Kong Customs, in the name of Hong Kong, China, was elected during the session as one of the A/P representatives on the Audit Committee for the term of 2025 to 2027 to assist in examining the policies and procedures of the WCO.

     In between the sessions, Mr Chan met with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, the WCO Council Chairperson, Mr Edward Kieswetter, and other regional WCO Vice-Chairpersons to exchange views on various subjects concerning customs policies and future development.

     In addition, on June 26, Mr Chan signed the MOU on the Mutual Recognition of AEO Programmes with the Governor of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority of Saudi Arabia, Mr Suhail bin Muhammad Abanmi, marking a significant step towards the extension of the AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) network in the Middle East. This MOU not only strengthens the trade ties between the two places but also enhances the competitiveness of reciprocal AEOs to tap into overseas markets. The signing of this MOU brings the total number of MRAs and MOUs ratified between Hong Kong Customs and other Customs administrations to 17. Mr Chan, on the same day, also met with the Chief Executive and Comptroller of the New Zealand Customs Service, Ms Christine Stevenson, to strengthen mutual collaboration and explore future development opportunities.

     On June 27, Mr Chan also signed the MOU Regarding Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance with the Commissioner of South African Revenue Service, Mr Edward Kieswetter, with the aim of strengthening information exchange for combating cross-boundary crimes and promoting closer ties in trade facilitation. Currently, Hong Kong Customs has signed 34 similar co-operative arrangements with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Macao Customs Service, and 32 overseas customs administrations.

Ends/Sunday, June 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:30

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