Yang Mulia Awang Muhammad Azizil Hakim bin Haji Brahim, Acting Controller of Customs, along with senior officers from the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED), Ministry of Finance, attended the 147th/148th Sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council held from 25 June 2026 to 27 June 2026 in Brussels, Belgium. The annual WCO Council Sessions, chaired by WCO Council Chairperson, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, convened Heads of Customs from the WCO’s 187 Members to deliberate and set the global Customs agenda for the year ahead.
The Council Sessions reaffirmed the vital role of Customs in protecting society, facilitating legitimate trade, and supporting global economic security. Discussions emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing emerging cross-border challenges, including illicit trade, commercial fraud, digitalisation, performance measurement, and the adoption of technology to strengthen Customs operations. Special addresses by the President of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and the Secretary General of INTERPOL further underscored the need for enhanced collaboration between Customs administrations, and law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime.
During the Council Sessions, Members reviewed the progress of the WCO Strategic Plan and considered various standards, guidance materials, and initiatives aimed at strengthening customs administrations worldwide. Updates were also provided on key WCO achievements, including the Harmonized System 2028 Amendments, digitalisation initiatives, trade facilitation tools, and international enforcement operations that contribute to safe and more secure global supply chains.
Brunei Darussalam remains committed to actively contributing to the work of the WCO and strengthening international Customs cooperation to support secure borders, facilitate legitimate trade, and promote effective and modern Customs administration in line with global best practices.
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Prepared by:
Royal Customs and Excise Department
Ministry of Finance
Brunei Darussalam
Reference: RCED/PR/1
Date: 30th June 2026