The WCO published the Joint WCO-UPU Guidelines on the exchange of electronic advance data between Posts and Customs, following its adoption by the Council – the Organization’s highest decision-making body – at the end of June 2019.
The WCO, working with the UPU and other relevant stakeholders, has been at the forefront of promoting the implementation of the exchange of electronic advance data between Posts and Customs for effective risk management and enhanced facilitation of legitimate parcels, driven by the growing cross-border e-commerce.
The WCO SAFE Framework of Standards (2018 edition) specifically provides for the submission of electronic advance data on all postal items, and pre-loading advance data (7+1 data elements: Annex III in the SAFE Framework of Standards) where the latter system is implemented by Members based on their security risk assessment as an additional layer of multi-layered approach to aviation security.
There are other global developments in terms of some countries/unions introducing specific legal/regulatory provisions for the obligatory submission of advance electronic information in respect of postal shipments. Examples include the European Union (EU)’s Union Customs Code (UCC), which came into force on 1 May 2016 and stipulates that CN23 data should be provided by postal operators for postal items before loading (subject to a transitional period until 15 March 2021), and the United States’ Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act that came into effect in October 2018.
In this regard, the joint Guidelines on the exchange of electronic advance data between Posts and Customs will serve as the key resource, provide relevant information, and offer guidance for postal operators and Customs administrations, working collaboratively, to establish the exchange of electronic advance data, as well as advising on how to gain support within the respective organizations for the adoption of this development project.
The WCO and the UPU have also been proving technical assistance to Customs administrations and postal operators in this domain, based on their needs and requirements.
Joint WCO-UPU Guidelines on the exchange of EAD between Posts and Customs | pdf | 687.22 kb
18/07/2019