The Smart Customs Community Portal has been developed in the framework of the WCO Smart Customs project, with the financial support of China Customs.
Customs administrations worldwide have a unique opportunity to harness the power of disruptive technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and security within global supply chains. To fully capitalize on these innovations, it is crucial for Customs agencies to effectively identify, understand, and adopt these technologies. By providing comprehensive information, fostering dedicated knowledge-sharing platforms, and supporting continuous capacity-building initiatives, Customs administrations can maximize the benefits of these advancements.
A centralized platform for the ongoing exchange of best practices, experiences, and technological solutions is essential to developing harmonized approaches and staying ahead of technological trends. Such a platform can accelerate the diffusion of innovation and help bridge the digital divide among Customs administrations globally.
In response to this need, the Smart Customs Community Portal has been created to offer to Customs administrations a dynamic and collaborative space tailored specifically to the needs of Customs professionals. The portal is designed to facilitate continuous interaction, peer-to-peer learning, and the sharing of innovative solutions, ultimately enhancing Customs performance and strengthening global supply chains.
Objectives of the Smart Customs Community Portal
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1
Build a Customs Community of Experts
Create an active network of National Contact Points (NCPs) focused on technology adoption and Customs digitalization strategies.
2
Enable a Safe Environment for Dialogue and Peer Learning
Provide a secure platform for informal dialogue and knowledge exchange among NCPs on technology adoption and implementation.
Foster peer-to-peer learning and promote innovative solutions to improve Customs operations.
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3
Collect and Update Experiences and Knowledge
Continuously gather and update information on technology adoption by Customs administrations .
4
Serve as a Hub for Knowledge Dissemination and Collaboration
Act as a central resource for sharing knowledge, building capacity, and fostering collaboration among community members.
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5
Share Knowledge on Technology in Customs
Disseminate insights and best practices related to technology applications in Customs among community members.
6
Increase Visibility of Project Outcomes
Enhance awareness and visibility of project outcomes and innovations to relevant stakeholders.
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By joining the Smart Customs Community Portal, you are contributing to a global effort to modernize Customs operations and embrace the future of technology. Together, we can drive innovation, enhance security, and optimize the efficiency of global supply chains.
Following the discussions at the Multi-Regional Workshop on Disruptive Technologies (Kenya, 15–19 September 2025) and the 6th Plenary NCP Virtual Meeting on 9 October 2025, Members exchanged views and reached a preliminary consensus on the concept of Smart Customs.
Smart Customs is a technology-enabled, data-driven model of Customs administration that leverages simplification, innovation and collaboration to meet the challenges of global trade, aiming to achieve higher levels of security, facilitation and efficiency.
Key elements:
- Technology and Integration: Using AI, big data, blockchain, IoT and other emerging technologies integrated across Customs functions to digitalize, automate and connect systems, enhance risk management, and reduce human intervention.
- Innovation and Reform: Adopting new ways of thinking, simplifying procedures, streamlining processes, strengthening risk management, and reducing costs for businesses, while learning from best practices and innovations in other industries.
- Inclusiveness and Collaboration: Embracing legal, organizational and human resource dimensions, promoting facilitation and harmonization, and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, government agencies and the private sector to foster cooperation and narrow the digital divide.
The Project team encourages Members to continue engaging in this dialogue and to provide constructive inputs to further develop the concept in the Smart Customs Forum.
