IMO and WCO issue joint statement urging to maintain flow of essential goods by sea

April 20, 2020: International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) issued a joint statement on April 17, 2020, urging that trade by sea must continue to flow to maintain the continued provision of essential goods, including vital medical supplies, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kitack Lim, secretary-general, IMO and Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, secretary-general, WCO strongly urged customs administrations and port state authorities, together with all other concerned agencies, to establish a coordinated and proactive approach to maintaining the integrity of the global supply chain so that the flow of vital goods by sea is not unnecessarily disrupted.

The joint statement notes that ports are being closed and ships denied entry, as travel is curtailed and borders closed to slow the spread of the disease and mitigate its impacts. Such restrictions, it says, may interrupt much-needed aid and technical support, and have negative social and economic effects on the countries concerned.

Customs and ports urged to maintain flow of critical goods during pandemic: https://t.co/K6GUybYbqY #COVID19 #globalsupplychain #customs #ports @WCO_OMD pic.twitter.com/Bhzr1ksMCT

— IMO (@IMOHQ) April 17, 2020

It is critical that customs administrations and port state authorities continue to facilitate the cross-border movement of vital medical supplies and equipment, critical agricultural products, and other goods, to help minimize the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on economies and societies, the joint statement said.

The two organizations emphasized the utmost importance of communication, coordination and cooperation at both national and local levels, between ships, port facilities, customs administrations and other competent authorities. Customs and port administrations are urged to work together to resolve disruptions to the global supply chain, to support the health and well-being of all people.

The joint statement also referred to recommendations and guidance already issued by the two Organizations. In particular, IMO has distributed a series of recommendations for governments and relevant national authorities, proposed by a broad cross-section of global industry associations representing the maritime transportation sector, including a specific call for governments to designate professional seafarers and marine personnel, regardless of their nationality, as 'key workers' providing an essential service.

The joint statement comes as the demand for and the movement of relief goods (such as supplies, medicines and medical equipment) across borders is increasing dramatically.