WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021)
The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards (originally adopted 2005, updated 2021) establishes standards for supply chain security and facilitation of international trade. Three pillars: Customs-to-Customs (C2C), Customs-to-Business (C2B), and Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (C2OGA). Implemented by 177 WCO member countries. Key elements include advance electronic cargo information, risk management, non-intrusive inspection, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, and mutual recognition arrangements.
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Framework Domains (6)
AEO and Facilitation
Authorised Economic Operator and trade facilitation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| WCO-SAFE-AF-01 | AEO Programme Standards |
| WCO-SAFE-AF-02 | Mutual Recognition |
| WCO-SAFE-AF-03 | Trade Facilitation |
Cross Cutting
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SAFE-CROSS-01 | Capacity Building |
| SAFE-CROSS-02 | Implementation Monitoring and Review |
Pillar 1 Customs-Customs
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SAFE-P1-01 | Pillar 1: Integrated Supply Chain Management (Customs-Customs) |
| SAFE-P1-02 | Authority to Inspect Cargo and Conveyances |
| SAFE-P1-03 | Modern Technology in Inspection Equipment |
| SAFE-P1-04 | Risk Management System |
| SAFE-P1-05 | Advance Electronic Cargo Information |
| SAFE-P1-06 | Targeting and Communication |
| SAFE-P1-07 | Performance Measures |
| SAFE-P1-08 | Security Assessments |
| SAFE-P1-09 | Employee Integrity |
| SAFE-P1-10 | Outbound Security Inspections |
Pillar 2 Customs-Business
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SAFE-P2-01 | AEO Programme (Customs-Business) |
| SAFE-P2-02 | AEO Authorisation Process |
| SAFE-P2-03 | AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangements |
Pillar 3 Customs-Government
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SAFE-P3-01 | Customs to Government Cooperation (Pillar 3) |
| SAFE-P3-02 | Single Window Environment |
| SAFE-P3-03 | Joint Risk Management with Other Agencies |
Pillar 4 Customs-Other
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| SAFE-P4-01 | Customs to Other Stakeholders Cooperation (Pillar 4) |
| SAFE-P4-02 | Customs Communication and Information Sharing |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021), you already cover:
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes - Global Standards
13%
3 controls mapped
Compare →IAIS Insurance Core Principles (ICPs)
9%
2 controls mapped
Compare →WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework
9%
2 controls mapped
Compare →+ 66 more: USMCA Chapter 19 - Digital Trade (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) (9%), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) - E-Commerce Chapter (9%)
See all 69 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 69 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021)?
WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) is a compliance framework from International (WCO — 184 members) with 6 domains and 23 controls. The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards (originally adopted 2005, updated 2021) establishes standards for supply chain security and facilitation of international trade. Three pillars: Customs-to-Customs (C2C), Customs-to-Business (C2B), and Customs-to-Other Government Agencies (C2OGA). Implemented by 177 WCO member countries. Key elements include advance electronic cargo information, risk management, non-intrusive inspection, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, and mutual recognition arrangements. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) have?
WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) has 23 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Pillar 1 Customs-Customs (10 controls), AEO and Facilitation (3 controls), Pillar 2 Customs-Business (3 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) map to?
WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) maps to 69 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes - Global Standards (13% coverage), IAIS Insurance Core Principles (ICPs) (9% coverage), WCO Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Framework (9% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) compliance?
Start your WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2021) requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 23 controls and track your progress.
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