The WCO is a forum where delegates representing a Wide variety of members can tackle Customs issues on an equal footing. Each Member has one representative an one vote. It offers its Members a wide range of Conventions and other international instruments. WCO Members can also take advantage of the technical assistance and training services.

The WCO is directed by the full Council and the Policy Commission (24 Members), with financial advice from de Finance Committee (17 Members). This international organization works through its Committees and its secretariat to complete the work set forth in the key activities of the WCO Strategic Plan, which is approved annually by the Council.

• Permanent Technical Committee, including the Information management Sub-Committee.
• Enforcement Committee.
• Harmonized System Committee, including the Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee and the Scientific Sub-Committee.
• Technical Committee on Customs Valuation.
• Technical Committee of Rules of Origin.

For many years, the WCO has been making progress on the harmonization of international Customs procedures. These efforts have met with considerable success.

The WCO Developer and introduced the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which is used World-wide as the basis for classifying goods and for the collection of Customs revenue.

In June 1999, a revised International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (the Kyoto Convention) was approved by the Council. The revised Convention is a response to the growth in international cargo, the incredible development in information technology and a highly competitive international business environment based on quality service and customer satisfaction, all of which have created a conflict with traditional Customs methods and procedures.

The WCO also administers the WTO valuation Agreement and has recently Developer Harmonized Rules of Origin which have been forwarded for consideration by the WTO in Geneva for eventual use by its Members.

Working closely together, the WCO, the WTO and UNCTAD ate co-ordinating their efforts to remove the remaining barriers to trade by simplifying and harmonizing Customs procedures and processes throughout the World. La influencia combinada de la OMA, OMC y CNUCDE contribuirá de manera significativa, tanto a la facilitación del comercio como al cumplimiento de la legislación comercial.

This commitment to partnership is further reflected in the close working relationship that the WCO enjoys with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). A Co-operation Agreement between the two organizations seeks to further standardize and improve the level of Customs capabilities world-wide.

For further information, please visit WCO Web site: http://www.wcoomd.org/.