WCO AP Regional Private Sector Group Trade Report 2024/25

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

RPSG-AP Customs & Trade Report (FINAL).pdf

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA), the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) and the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council (NZCOC) are delighted to confirm that Wendy Stanton will be participating in our program at the Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference (27 – 28 August 2026).
 
Wendy is the Country Customs Manager (Australia) for IKEA and is the Group Chair of the Asa-Pacific Regional Private Sector (RPSG-AP) reporting to the World Customs Organisation (WCO). 
Over the past year, the RPSG-AP has been working on a trade report designed as a practical tool for both industry and Customs Authorities.
 
The RPSG-AP was established following approval by the WCO Regional Heads of Customs (Asia Pacific) in November 2020, with its first meeting held in July 2022. The Group's purpose is to provide business sector advice to the WCO Regional Vice Chair and to support the work program and priorities of the WCO, the Regional Vice Chair, and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), of which the Asia Pacific regional group is a member.
 
This document is the second edition produced by the RPSG-AP and offers insights into customs processes and practices across the WCO Asia Pacific region. It provides a snapshot of regional customs and trade-related capabilities and practices, particularly in relation to the RPSG-AP's priorities.
 
The report serves as:
  • A reference for traders entering new markets to understand customs processes and compliance obligations.
  • A resource for Customs administrations to identify capacity-building opportunities, conduct gap analyses, and support regional integration initiatives.
  • A complement to work carried out by organizations such as the Asian Development Bank, UN, and APEC.
Feedback from Wendy requested special acknowledgement to the contributions of the two WCO Regional Vice Chairs during this period—Australia and Hong Kong, China—whose energy and commitment have been invaluable to the RPSG-AP's work.
 
The full report is attached.