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4th WGDS Meeting of the WTO: Improving Customs Data and Statistical Standards is Important
The World Customs Organization hosted the 4th session of the Working Group on Data and Statistics (WGDS) in a hybrid format at its headquarters in Brussels on 6-7 May 2024.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Ricardo Treviño Chapa, Deputy Secretary General of the WTO, expressed his sincere thanks to the delegates for their essential contributions to data-driven initiatives. He highlighted the working group's important roles and milestones, such as fostering a data -driven work culture by establishing definitions and standards for customs statistics, sharing use cases on statistical standardization and data sharing for members to adopt, and guiding the development of the WTO data strategy.
The Working Group, in collaboration with other WGO working bodies, has reviewed the progress made in standardizing customs statistical definitions and standards since the 3rd WSO session. This review, based on the outcomes of five intersessional meetings, has led to the extension of the standardized set to additional areas of application. The practical application of these standards, including their inclusion in the '2024 Annual Survey', was also highlighted.
At US Customs' initiative, the Working Group considered the "Compendium of Best Practices for Customs Statistics" an essential guide derived from the collaborative and comprehensive efforts undertaken during the interim period to standardize data across different customs environments. A living document that will be regularly updated with relevant refined member practices, the Compendium provides systematic guidelines and tools to improve data definition and standardization of customs statistics based on member experiences.
The WDGS also made significant progress towards developing a comprehensive 'WSO Data Sharing Compendium,' which was informed by a detailed survey on the organizational, legal, and technical aspects of data sharing. Analysis of the survey data provided insight into emerging trends and regional nuances, while practical experiences from members highlighted the value of comprehensive data-sharing strategies.
The WDGS also considered recommendations for reviewing the WTO data strategy and heard from international organizations on the importance of a dynamic and responsive data strategy that includes internal reviews and external benchmarking exercises.
Finally, members use cases of AI adapted to customs and developments on a WGDS project (Smart Customs Project) aimed at improving customs operations, fostering innovation, and facilitating data-driven decision-making through AI.
The next WGDS session will be from 7 to 9 October 2024, during which time further progress on customs data initiatives will be explored and shared.
