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WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

International (WCO Members)
vJune 2025 edition (supersedes the 2021 edition)
6 domains
65 controls

The WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, June 2025 edition: the World Customs Organization's minimum standards for supply chain security and facilitation, adopted in 2005 and last updated in 2025. Pillar 1 (Customs-to-Customs: integrated supply chain management, advance electronic goods and cargo declarations with maximum time limits, pre-loading air cargo data, risk management and targeting, non-intrusive inspection, outbound inspection, seal integrity), Pillar 2 (Customs-to-Business: Authorized Economic Operator partnership, security, authorization, technology, communication and facilitation) and Pillar 3 (cooperation with other government agencies, including environmental authorities, and Single Window), plus trade continuity, mutual recognition and Annex IV AEO requirements A to M (compliance, records, solvency, communication, training including insider threats, information security, cargo, conveyance, premises and personnel security including a Code of Conduct, trading partners, crisis management, self-assessment).

Verified

WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) is a compliance framework from International (WCO Members) with 6 domains and 65 controls. The largest domains are Pillar 1: Customs-to-Customs standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (23 controls), Annex IV: AEO conditions, requirements and validation – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (15 controls), Pillar 3: Customs-to-other government and inter-government agencies standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (12 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.

Maintained by Gerard BlokdykVerified against the published standard Control text last updated

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Framework Domains (6)

Annex IV: AEO conditions, requirements and validation – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

15 controls
Controls in the Annex IV: AEO conditions, requirements and validation – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 15 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.AA. Demonstrated compliance with Customs requirements
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.APPApplication, authorization and maintenance obligations of the AEO
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.BB. Satisfactory system for management of commercial records
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.CC. Financial viability
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.DD. Consultation, co-operation and communication
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.EE. Education, training and awareness
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.FF. Information exchange, access and confidentiality
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.GG. Cargo security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.HH. Conveyance security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.II. Premises security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.JJ. Personnel security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.KK. Trading partner security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.LL. Crisis management and incident recovery
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.MM. Measurement, analyses and improvement
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::AEO.VALValidation and authorization procedures of Customs

Pillar 1: Customs-to-Customs standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

23 controls
Controls in the Pillar 1: Customs-to-Customs standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 23 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1Standard 1: integrated supply chain management and its legal basis
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-AIRAir cargo risk mitigation and do-not-load notifications
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-ASCAuthorized Economic Operators and the Authorized Supply Chain
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-CARAdvance electronic cargo declaration
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-CTRLStandard 1: general control measures (control, risk assessment, departure controls, sealing, UCR)
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-DQData quality
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-EXPAdvance electronic export goods declaration
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-IMPAdvance electronic import goods declaration
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-PLACIPre-loading advance cargo information for air cargo
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-POSTAdvance electronic data on postal items
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-TIMETime limits for advance declarations
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-VSPVessel stow plans and container status messages
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S1-XCHExchange of information on high-risk consignments and the WCO Data Model
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S10Standard 10: employee integrity
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S11Standard 11: outbound security inspections
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S2Standard 2: cargo inspection authority
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S3Standard 3: modern technology in inspection equipment
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S4Standard 4: risk-management systems
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S5Standard 5: selectivity, profiling and targeting
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S6Standard 6: advance electronic information, ICT security and data protection
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S7Standard 7: targeting and communication
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S8Standard 8: performance measures
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P1.S9Standard 9: security assessments

Pillar 2: Customs-to-Business standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

6 controls
Controls in the Pillar 2: Customs-to-Business standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 6 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S1Pillar 2 Standard 1: partnership
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S2Pillar 2 Standard 2: security
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S3Pillar 2 Standard 3: authorization and benefits
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S4Pillar 2 Standard 4: technology and seals
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S5Pillar 2 Standard 5: communication
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P2.S6Pillar 2 Standard 6: facilitation

Pillar 3: Customs-to-other government and inter-government agencies standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

12 controls
Controls in the Pillar 3: Customs-to-other government and inter-government agencies standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 12 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S1Pillar 3 Standard 1: mutual cooperation within government
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S10Pillar 3 Standard 10: harmonisation of cross-border control measures
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S11Pillar 3 Standard 11: cooperation among international bodies
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S12Pillar 3 Standard 12: arrangements with international governmental bodies
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S2Pillar 3 Standard 2: cooperative arrangements and procedures
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S3Pillar 3 Standard 3: alignment of security programmes
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S4Pillar 3 Standard 4: harmonisation of national control measures
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S5Pillar 3 Standard 5: continuity and resumption measures
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S6Pillar 3 Standard 6: harmonisation of data filing (Single Window)
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S7Pillar 3 Standard 7: mutual cooperation across borders
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S8Pillar 3 Standard 8: cooperative arrangements or protocols at shared borders
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::P3.S9Pillar 3 Standard 9: harmonisation of security programmes

Seal integrity for secure containers: responsibilities along the chain of custody – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

7 controls
Controls in the Seal integrity for secure containers: responsibilities along the chain of custody – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 7 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.ACross-cutting chain-of-custody responsibilities
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.BStuffing site: secure stuffing, sealing and documentation
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.CGIntermediate terminals (export and import side)
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.DLoading ocean terminal
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.ETranshipment terminals
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.FOff-loading ocean terminal
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::SEAL.HUnloading site

Trade continuity and resumption; mutual recognition – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)

2 controls
Controls in the Trade continuity and resumption; mutual recognition – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) domain of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) — 2 controls
CodeTitle
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::VITrade continuity and resumption
wco-safe-framework-of-standards-to-secure-and-facilitate-global-trade-2021::VIIMutual recognition

What is WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) and who does it apply to?

WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) is a compliance framework from International (WCO Members) with 6 domains and 65 controls. The WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade, June 2025 edition: the World Customs Organization's minimum standards for supply chain security and facilitation, adopted in 2005 and last updated in 2025. Pillar 1 (Customs-to-Customs: integrated supply chain management, advance electronic goods and cargo declarations with maximum time limits, pre-loading air cargo data, risk management and targeting, non-intrusive inspection, outbound inspection, seal integrity), Pillar 2 (Customs-to-Business: Authorized Economic Operator partnership, security, authorization, technology, communication and facilitation) and Pillar 3 (cooperation with other government agencies, including environmental authorities, and Single Window), plus trade continuity, mutual recognition and Annex IV AEO requirements A to M (compliance, records, solvency, communication, training including insider threats, information security, cargo, conveyance, premises and personnel security including a Code of Conduct, trading partners, crisis management, self-assessment). It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

What does WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) actually require?

WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) has 65 controls organised across 6 domains. The largest domains are Pillar 1: Customs-to-Customs standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (23 controls), Annex IV: AEO conditions, requirements and validation – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (15 controls), Pillar 3: Customs-to-other government and inter-government agencies standards – WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) (12 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.

If I already comply with another framework, how much of WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) do I already cover?

WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025) does not currently have cross-framework mappings in our system. Check back as we continuously expand our mapping database.

How do I implement WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (2025)?

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