The 2024 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 12 to 14 November 2024, with the theme “Digital Frontiers: Customs Embracing Innovation with Traditional and New Partners”. This WCO’s flagship event attracted nearly 1,300 registered participants from 117 countries. event attracted approximately 1,300 registered participants from 117 countries. Among the participants, a delegation of two representatives from the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan participated in the conference.

The event was hosted by Brazil’s Secretariat of the Federal Revenue and organized in partnership with private sector companies, including the Conference’s corporate sponsor, Webb Fontaine. The Exhibition, which run concurrently with the Conference, features 54 booths, showcasing  cutting-edge technological solutions designed to enhance Customs operations.

Opening speeches were delivered by Cláudia Thomaz, Undersecretary for Customs Administration, Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil, and Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO, who underscored the transformative impact of technology and partnerships in strengthening Customs' role in global trade security, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilient supply chains through innovative collaboration.

The opening ceremony was followed by a high-level round table titled “Unveiling New Tech Horizons through Collaboration and Innovation for Seamless Trade.” Panelists explored the important role of data-driven innovation and new technologies in transforming Customs operations, showcasing concrete strategies to increase efficiency, improve real-time risk management and facilitate seamless cross-border collaboration.

During the WCO Technology Conference 2024, participants had the opportunity to learn about advances in detection technologies, explore digital solutions to facilitate global trade and consider the benefits offered by Single Window platforms.

The Conference’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day scheduled for 14 November 2024, focused on various AI applications within Customs, discussing regulatory aspects, prerequisites, risks and challenges associated with its deployment.