WCO supports ash cloud crisis trade recovery efforts
THE World Customs Organziation (WCO) has called on Customs authorities around the world to expedite Customs clearances of air freight, to the greatest extent possible, to support rapid global recovery of aircargo supply chains following the volcanic ash cloud crisis that shutdown much of Europe's airspace for one week, resulting in the airline industry suffering its worst disruption since 9/11.
WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya said, “The global Customs community is ready to support international efforts that will bolster recovery. I have issued this call as a means of galvanising Customs authorities to facilitate trade by expediting Customs clearances of air freight to the greatest extent possible as this will play an important role in ensuring that global trade begins to flow as smoothly and as fast as possible.”
The WCO believes that efficient Customs procedures are critical, even more so in a time of crisis and to ensure rapid recovery. It will continue to promote Customs best practices and ensure that administrations have the capacity to effectively deal with the challenges posed by global trade.