The World Customs Organization Elects a New Leader

Jun. 28, 2023
By: Hannah B. Kreinik

For the first time since 2009 the World Customs Organization (“WCO”) is getting a new Secretary General after its recent election. Ian Saunders, the current deputy assistant secretary for the International Trade Administration (“ITA”) at the U.S. Department of Commerce, will take on his new role starting January 1, 2024. The Secretary General directs daily activities of the WCO Secretariat and is elected for a five-year term. Saunders was elected by the 185 member countries of the WCO via the Customs Directors General speaking on behalf of those members.

Saunders has extensive U.S. government experience and can expect significant support from government agencies. Acting Customs Commissioner Troy Miller made this support clear in comments made after the election. Miller emphasized the duality that CBP hopes Saunders will bring to the WCO, such as weighing national and global interests as well as conservative and modern ideas. Miller also stated the U.S. government position that it is beneficial to have a U.S. representative in a lead position in the international trade community.

The WCO’s press release on Saunders’ election highlights his prior history of driving diversity and having a variety of experience in his professional career from policy to programming. The WCO release also focused on Saunders trade background, including Customs, policy-building, and more. Based on his past statements, the trade community can expect Saunders to promote innovation, bring more private-public relationships to the organization, increase technology use, support inclusive efforts to facilitate international coordination, and other modernizing activities.

As always, Barnes, Richardson & Colburn is here to serve your international trade needs, whether it includes free trade agreements, antidumping or countervailing duties, classifications, forced labor issues, or any other customs concerns. Do not hesitate to contact any of our attorneys with your international trade issues.