Brussels , 20 November 2007: Michel Danet, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization, and Miguel Lopera, Chief Executive Officer of GS1, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Brussels yesterday in recognition of the wide range of business interests shared by the two organisations and to provide a framework for further cooperation.

GS1’s identification numbers can provide the WCO with global standards for the management of goods and assets, and the reconciliation of data. These standards will contribute to the WCO’s efforts to secure the trade supply chain, protect society, facilitate international trade, and increase the efficiency and predictability of customs procedures at national borders.

The two organisations agree to cooperate and maintain systematic exchange of information on matters of interest which will include the designation of contact persons to facilitate efficient cooperation, reciprocal invitations to meetings of common interest, joint training activities, exchange of experts, and support for initiatives that continue to harmonise standards in the customs sector.