ICC input: SAFE FoS Review 2021

Last June, the World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted the 2021 version of the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE FoS), which has become an important instrument for modern supply chain security standards and promotes trade facilitation worldwide. The SAFE FoS was first adopted in 2005 by the WCO Council and has been regularly updated since then. As an observer to the WCO, ICC is delighted to provide business insights for the review of the SAFE FoS 2021 and help unlock its potential for facilitating cross-border trade.

In this new review cycle, the WCO has the opportunity to improve the SAFE FoS and its implementation – ensuring that its instruments, such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes remain relevant. While the ICC input focuses on challenges businesses encounter with regards to AEO programmes, it also recognizes the vast potential for trade facilitation and thus economic growth that can be unlocked through such SAFE FoS instruments.