In the middle of 2023, the World Customs Organization released a new major version of its Data Model. GEFEG.FX users of the WCO Data Model version 4.0.0 can now access the new version publication.
What is new in v4.0.0? Regulatory data requirements due to new or amended legislation submitted as change requests by Customs authorities and WCO Data Model implementers have been added and/or modified.
Furthermore, this major version release addresses pending critical cosmetic and breaking correctional activities since the last major version to improve the efficiency and usage of the WCO Data Model.
The involvement of Customs authorities globally supports an important objective of the WCO Data Model: Requirements of national and regional legislations or guidelines for implementation are considered and incorporated into the WCO Data Model. There are changes in the Information Packages (BIP), i.e. two of the major BIPs have been merged to create a new Additional Information Package (AIP). Please note that this type of change, amongst others, makes this release version non-backwards compatible with previous versions.
Customs authorities around the globe further strive for effectiveness and efficiency
It is an important objective for the WCO to provide and further develop its global standard for seamless cross-border transactions for all Customs administrations worldwide.
What are the benefits of the WCO Data Model, which is intended to be the basis for information exchange of cross-border regulatory processes in a global supply chain?
- The Data Model opens the possibility for Customs authorities to achieve interoperability and collaboration in Single Window and other implementations.
- Data flow and integration of business data for Customs procedures are simplified and harmonized.
- The main components of the WCO Data Model consist of “Base Information Packages” and “Additional Information Packages”.
Information Packages compile information submitted by trading parties on one side and processed by Customs authorities for typical Customs processes and procedures on the other side. Customs processes cover Single Window, or other implementations, including those at the virtual border. This includes, for example, declaration of goods movement, licenses, permits, certificates, or other types of regulatory cross-border trade documents.
Delivery of the WCO Data Model in a structured and reusable format in GEFEG.FX
In cooperation with the World Customs Organization, GEFEG has been delivering the WCO Data Model with GEFEG.FX software since the early 2010s. Thus, new possibilities for joint development work and user-specific usage of the WCO Data Model opened up for Customs authorities, governmental organizations, traders and other parties involved in cross-border regulatory processes. For users, the reuse of the WCO Data Model is simplified and streamlined with GEFEG.FX. A ready-to-use WCO Data Model compliant XML schema export also contributes to this.
Easy and effective use of the WCO Data Model
Many users of the WCO Data Model packages in GEFEG.FX have been impressed by the simple and efficient methods for reusing the WCO Data Model to plan and implement their country and/or regional specific Customs data requirements based on legislation. With each new release, it is important for users to determine if their existing implementations need to be modified to incorporate the latest WCO definitions of objects and Customs procedures to ensure compliance with the Data Model.
In this release, changes have been applied as submitted by member administrations plus corrective changes from WCO intersessional development work approved and maintained by the WCO Data Model Project Team and incorporated into GEFEG.FX by the GEFEG Implementation Support Team.
Join the WCO DM 4.0.0 Webinar
GEFEG invites all interested users of the WCO Data Model to join our webinar on the deliverables and changes in the latest published version 4.0.0 of the WCO Data Model with GEFEG.FX. The webinar will also address the potential impact of the new version and its implementations by business and technical implementers. In addition, GEFEG will present the “How-to” documents delivered with the new release to assist all users in applying all the typical steps when implementing the new version of the WCO Data Model. In the 15-minute question and answer session, participants will have the opportunity to express wishes, questions and comments.
