HQ Function

Serves as the central secretariat for the WCO's global operations, policy development, international meetings, coordination of capacity building programs, and overall administration.

Notable Features:

Modern facilities inaugurated in 2013, designed to host large international conferences, committee meetings, and training sessions for customs experts from member countries. It houses the WCO Secretariat and various specialized departments.

Work Culture:

A highly international, multicultural, and diplomatic environment. The culture emphasizes collaboration, expertise in customs matters, professionalism, and dedication to serving its member administrations. Staff typically have backgrounds in customs, international relations, law, or economics.

HQ Significance:

The Brussels headquarters is the global nerve center for international customs cooperation. It's where international standards are developed (e.g., the Harmonized System), global customs policies are debated, and strategies for facilitating legitimate trade and securing international supply chains are formulated.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters reflects the WCO's commitment to global cooperation, transparency, modernity, and efficiency in serving its international members and advancing secure and facilitated trade.

Location:

The WCO maintains a truly global presence through its 186 member Customs administrations. Globally, it supports functions such as: development and promotion of international customs standards and instruments (e.g., Harmonized System, SAFE Framework of Standards, Kyoto Convention); facilitation of legitimate international trade; enhancement of supply chain security; combating customs offenses including smuggling and counterfeiting; providing extensive capacity building programs, training, and technical assistance to modernize customs administrations; and fostering international cooperation and information exchange among customs authorities. This work is driven by the Secretariat in Brussels and supported by a network of regional offices (ROCBs and RILOs) and national contact points within member administrations.

Street Address:

Rue du Marché, 30

City:

Brussels

State/Province:

Brussels-Capital Region

Country:

Belgium