What is the World Customs Organization (WCO)?
Formerly known as the Customs Cooperation Council, the World Customs Organization was founded in 1950 to study all questions relating to cooperation in customs matters, and to examine technical aspects of customs with a view to attaining the highest possible degree of uniformity. The other activities of the WCO include preparing conventions and recommendations; ensuring uniform interpretation and application of customs conventions (on valuation, tariff and statistical nomenclature, and customs procedures); ensuring conciliatory action in case of dispute; circulating information and advice regarding customs regulations and procedures; and cooperating with other international organizations. As of January 2003, 161 countries comprised the membership of the WCO.
