Governments around the world have realized that rapid economic growth cannot be achieved in an environment where international trade processes are inefficient and cumbersome. Over the past decades, serious attention has been devoted to the modernization of international trade and cross-border regulatory procedures. Countries have committed substantial resources to national projects in the areas of governmental automation and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) infrastructure.
The delivery of electronic ‘Single Window’ services is being implemented in many countries. Based on the principle of coordinated government services, the ‘Single Window’ environment has the potential to deliver transformational advantages to business by simplifying and unifying touch-points between members of the trading community and the different government departments involved in cross-border regulatory procedures.
The WCO Data Model (WCO DM) is an important foundation and key instrument for coping with these challenges, and provides the basic elements of a solution. Project leaders will need to address different possibilities with regard to project scope, business process design and the design of the basic data structure, based on international standards, handling of legacy assets, etc.
The purpose of this document is to provide a description of the WCO DM and to explain, in a comprehensible way, its use and its relationship with other international instruments and governmental best practice recommendations. The information it contains is intended for use by governmental administrations and others contemplating WCO DM adoption and/or implementation. This is not a technical document; it is intended for use by management as well as business people and provides basic information on the WCO DM, as well as practical guidance on the adoption and implementation of WCO DM.
Information and documentation are key elements in the control of international cross-border trade. In today’s interconnected electronic environment, these components will increasingly include Government-to-Government information exchange prior to the arrival of goods in order to provide the necessary level of security and efficient release times. The development of core customs automated systems and EDI facilities has shifted from reliance only on national requirements, fragmented data and their national description, to a more standardized approach in line with the WCO DM. This shift was consistent with recognition of the need to follow international data standards. The UN Trade Data Element Directory (UN/TDED) and the United Nations Rules for EDI for Administration, Commerce and Transport (UN/EDIFACT) were used extensively in many countries.
Despite the use of these international standards, there were international data dictionaries in existence for the customs domain. The UN/EDIFACT standard electronic messages for customs purposes represent a common example of an organized approach in this area; over the years, these messages have become very complex.
Standardized and harmonized information requirements and procedures are essential to establish a common understanding which allows for an effective and efficient exchange of information between parties involved in international cross-border movements.
The WCO Customs Data Model provided a common understanding of customs information requirements. The Data Model also provided Contracting Parties to the Revised Kyoto Convention with a global customs standard to implement provisions dealing with reduced data requirements and electronic submission of declarations and supporting documents
The G7 Heads of States and Government, at meetings in Lyon (1996) and Denver (1997), and the G7 Finance Ministers at the Birmingham (1998) and Okinawa-Kyushu (2000) Summits, agreed to standardize and simplify Customs data requirements of the G7 countries. They also agreed to standardize the format in which data is to be reported electronically in order to facilitate international trade, reduce costs for businesses and governments, and promote economic growth. The G7 agreed to the attached "Kyoto Customs Data Principles", as well as a timetable to achieve implementation of the standardized electronic formats (2005, if possible).
Following a request from the G7, the WCO took over the maintenance and management of the G7 Initiative in January 2002 to advance the work of the G7 Initiative into a global customs standard from which the WCO Customs Data Model evolved. Initially the data set and the Message Implementation Guidelines were simply renamed to “WCO Customs Data Model – version 1.0”.
As a consequence of the events of September 11, 2001, a Task Force on Supply Chain Security was established by the WCO. In order to meet the requirements defined by the Task Force, the WCO Customs Data Model was updated to version 1.1.
Version 2.0 of the WCO Customs Data Model covered conveyance reporting as well as a data set for transit, as defined by the Common Transit Convention. It also contained Other Governmental Agency (OGA) data and incorporated business data modelling using the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) Modelling Methodology (UMM).
The increasing emphasis on single window concepts identified a need for further inclusion of Cross Border Regulatory Agency (CBRA) requirements. A single window allows traders to exchange information once with a single official body, preferably Customs, to fulfil all regulatory requirements related to import, export and in-transit procedures. This work formed the basis of Version 3.0 of the renamed WCO Data Model.
During the developmental stage of Version 3.0 of the DM, the need for a single and unified government message was identified. This template would provide the ability to include all of the necessary information for any regulatory trade and transport report in a single message. The message will include all the current WCO DM message information elements. The template will be flexible enough to support the necessary information requirements by any business implementation. The message is intended to be scalable, allowing administrative data needs to be mapped against the message in any required combination of information requirements.
The WCO DM is a compilation of clearly structured, harmonized, standardized and reusable sets of data definitions and electronic messages designed to meet operational and legal requirements of cross-border regulatory agencies (CBRAs), including Customs, which are responsible for border management.
The WCO DM includes subsets for goods declarations, cargo declaration, cargo movements, goods inspections and permits, as well as licensing requirements. The WCO DM, as an international standard, implements other commonly used international data standards that are recommended to be adopted by the international trade and transport communities. Information received in WCO standard formats can be used for harmonization, statistical, risk management and several other purposes. WCO DM users may use its subsets to manage their border reporting requirements.
The WCO DM promotes collaboration between customs administrations, government regulators and the business community to manage reporting and compliance with government border requirements (see Figure 1).
The WCO Data Model covers not only all Customs operational needs, but also meets the additional information requirements for a Single Window environment by providing for:
• Conveyance reporting
• Cargo reporting
• Agricultural and veterinary requirements
• Food safety
• Marine safety (ISPS)
• Environmental protection (hazardous waste and endangered species)
• Immigration requirements (crew or passenger)
• Response messages for all other cross-border Single Window-related government agencies
• And more
To ensure widespread acceptance and usage, the Data Model comprises of:
• An agreed maximum data set for export, import, transit, cargo report export, cargo report import, LPCO, Response and InterGov
• A comprehensive dictionary of the data needed to exchange and process legally re-quired cross-border information associated with Single Window applications
• Standardized electronic message guidelines and other supporting implementation documents
The WCO DM includes several components such as, library of data definitions, recommended codelist, structure, and syntax for electronic messages that Members can utilize to build data sets that are tailor made to their CBRA requirements.
The data sets and electronic messages of the WCO DM, incorporate international code standards and are the key to efficient Business-to-Government (B2G), Government-to-Business (G2B) and Government-to-Government (G2G) information sharing, as illustrated below.
Figure 1 Information Sharing Flows of the WCO DM
The WCO Data Model (WCO DM) Version 4.0 is based on the following basic principles:
The WCO DM includes the outcome of the analysis and the modelling of the Customs procedures and processes contained in the Revised Kyoto Convention, using activity diagrams, use-case diagrams and descriptions. Based upon this analysis, illustrative scenarios for governmental business processes are developed. In the WCO DM, information flows from cross-border regulatory agencies (including customs) have been categorized and brought together in ‘class diagrams’, and modelled using the Unified Modelling Language (UML).
The WCO DM is geared exclusively to the requirements of automated environments for cross-border regulatory processes and procedures. The Data Model therefore forms the basis for the development of common electronic messages for goods imported, exported and in transit on the basis of international standards such as Json, API and the electronic business eXtensible Mark-up Language (ebXML). This requires the development of common message structures that are compatible with relevant information flows. The WCO DM consists in a compilation of several living documents which can be adapted to accommodate future technologies.
Uniform data requirements are crucial to cross-border control and trade facilitation. For this reason, the harmonization of data requirements for CBRPs including import, export and transit, the creation of common definitions, and the standardization of data content and its format are essential building blocks for the WCO DM.
The WCO DM defines the maximum data requirement elements for CBRPs. The elements for each procedure forms a data set and should be the primary source for the design and development of cross-border Single Window systems. While these data sets define the maxi-mum requirement elements, wherever possible CBRAs should request only the minimum number of data elements necessary. The elements should be exchanged using specific electronic formats. This would offer traders the ability to transmit data to any administration without resetting their computer format, while also enabling multinational traders to rationalize the maintenance of various interfaces to Customs IT systems.
The WCO DM may be implemented with or without a Single Window environment, as it serves as a standardized data requirement library for Business to Government (B2G), Government to Business (G2B) and the Government to Government (G2G) exchange of information.
The WCO DM follows the concept of a seamless data flow, where CBRPs’ e.g., import, export and transit data requirements are aligned and the respective electronic declarations share the same structure. This should allow traders to exchange information more economically.
The WCO DM is developed and maintained by the Data Model Projects Team (DMPT). WCO Member administrations can request changes to the WCO DM by submitting Data Maintenance Request(s) (DMR). Data elements, for example, will be added only if it is determined that the requested element is critical to the needs of the requesting Member administration and that the information cannot be derived from an existing data element in the Data Model. The DMRs need to be submitted at least 5 weeks prior to the next DMPT meeting through the DM App in the following LINK: https://datamodel.wcoomd.org/#/
The WCO DM is an important contribution to the facilitation of international trade. In order for it be successfully implemented, The WCO encourages international trade and transport associations to become actively involved in this work, e.g., by participation in the DMPT meetings, to ensure the compatibility of the WCO DM with business practices.
The WCO Recommendations reflect the high-level commitment of the international Customs community agreed upon by the WCO Council, and implicitly oblige Customs administrations, insofar as possible, to achieve the highest degree of data harmonization.
As shown in Figure 2, the development of standardized data sets and electronic messages that include data beyond the focus of Customs allows Customs administrations, CBRAs and the private sector to benefit from the use of the WCO DM. [change semantic hub to centralized library in graphic]
Figure [2] WCO DM as a central library for the international customs community
To ease the implementation of the WCO DM, version 3.0, WCO DM has been developed to support the implementation of Single Window. This is an environment model for border management stakeholders, including Customs, other cross-border regulatory agencies and the trade community.
• enables the implementation of systems for electronic customs procedures and electronic message exchange, that decrease the need for paper forms by creating electronic interfaces;
• improves the integrity and transparency of service delivery processes as an enabler for introducing automated processes;
• reduces costs to businesses and governments by providing a standard set of data, eliminating duplication and redundancy;
• assists in eliminating unnecessary intermediaries by providing direct access to government services, therefore enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade; and
• facilitates the implementation of a Single Window environment.
• can be applied to multiple border regulatory requirements, such as those of Customs, Food Safety, Agriculture, Marine;
• enables easy access to regulatory services by traders, and offers enhanced border process efficiency;
• provides a standardized library of data that enables regulators to enhance the capability of risk management systems;
• improves compliance with regulatory requirements by enhancing data quality;
• underpins harmonized development of IT systems and Single Window environments; and
• facilitates seamless data exchange, processing and storage.
• enhances trade facilitation;
• reduces regulatory reporting costs;
• enables the sharing and reuse of data from partners across the global supply chain;
• facilitates simplified business processes and better internal controls;
• harmonizes and enhances the implementation of new policies and programmes, such as AEO programmes and AEO MRAs, and ensures delivery of associated benefits.
The mapping of existing systems' data sets to achieve alignment may present some challenges:
• Human and financial resources must be dedicated to understand the WCO DM, develop technical expertise and ensure continuity of knowledge and resources.
• IT programming of the necessary adjustments to the existing customs ICT system involves analysis, time and dedicated resources. Once the system is in place, ongoing maintenance is the key to continuing success.
• Changing the existing national legal framework to support the adoption of the Data Model and Single Window requires time, dedicated high-level commitment and close collaboration with Trade, cross-border regulatory agencies and the general public.
Chapter VI of this document aims to provide a strategy for addressing these challenges.
As shown in Figure 5 below, the WCO DM consists of several components:
Figure [4] Building blocks of the WCO DM
Figure 5 Components of the WCO Data Model
The Context
As mentioned earlier in this document, the WCO DM includes the outcome of the analysis and the modelling of the customs procedures and processes contained in the RKC, other WCO instruments and tool (e.g., SAFE Framework of Standards, Single Window Compendium, Transit Guidelines) and other international agreements and standards, using use-case diagrams and activity diagrams and descriptions. Based upon this analysis, illustrative scenarios are developed for governmental business processes. The figure below shows one example of a WCO Data Model Use Case Diagram:
Figure 6 Example of a WCO Data Model Use Case Diagram
The Content
The WCO DM is a comprehensive dictionary of the data required to support processes and to exchange regulatory information needed for several cross-border regulatory agencies, including Customs. In this perspective, the WCO DM encompasses the basis for an agreed maximum data set, which contains the harmonized and standardized Data Elements and Definitions, as well as the code list used by each data element.
The Structure
At the structural level, the WCO DM is a technical model, systematically developed to reflect the relationships between the different pieces of information by defining how the data elements are related to each other, as well as organized and constructed to form a specific electronic message. The structure of the WCO DM is organized within groups (classes) and Information Packages.
The Syntax
The syntax explains how the WCO DM is used in an actual implementation, employing two known computer message formats, namely XML and JSON.
XML Schemas and XML Message Implementation Guidelines (MIG) help implement XML messages that are consistent with the Data Model. Reusable components of XML Schemas include technical specifications like status (min and max occurs) and the patterns from the WCO DM, which can be used for validation purposes. The aim is to simplify message processing by promoting the reuse of schema components.
The Overall Information Structure (OIS) and the Information Packages are structured components of the WCO DM. At the very basic level, there is the library that lists all the data elements that make up the Data Model. In layman’s terms, the OIS describes how the data elements are structured to build all the information that can be exchanged. Technically speaking, it contains the overall class structure as a basis for electronic messages. Information Packages are subsets of the OIS that are classified and refined by context categories, and that represent the business usage of data.
There are five types of Information Packages that provide data subsets for specific purposes, namely:
• Meta Data Information Package (MDIP)
• Base Information Package (BIP)
• Additional Information Package (AIP)
• Derived Information Package (DIP)
• My Information Package (MyIP)
Figure 7 Overview of the WCO DM Information Packages
Base Information Package (MDIP)
Technical envelope information to be used with any of the other Information Packages.
Base Information Package (BIP)
BIPs are basic assemblies for a specific business context from which smaller subsets can be derived. At present, the following types of base information packages have been constructed (see also Figure 7):
• Declaration: A document assembly representing Business-to-Government (B2G) messages.
• LPCO: A document assembly representing Licences, Permits, Certificates and Other types of authorizations, which can be used in B2G, G2B or G2G
Additional Information Package (AIP)
AIPs are XXX. Including the following types:
• Response: A document assembly representing Government-to-Business (G2B) messages.
• InterGov: A document assembly representing Government-to-Government (G2G) messages, between government agencies in the same country or in different countries.
Derived Information Packages (DIP)
Each BIP can be reused and restricted to ‘derive’ several subset assemblies, the so-called DIP. Every DIP must be based on a specific BIP and is related to a specific legal framework. Figure 7 shows several examples of WCO DM DIP.
My Information Packages (MyIP)
An MIP represents national or regional subsets of a DIP. A MyIP is always based on a specific DIP or BIP.
Classes are units of information of the WCO DM that are composed of several data elements joined together, each having a unique identification and a semantic definition. Super classes are templates for classes that have similar characteristics; these are more general types of classes that have generic meaning and abstract data elements, which will be reused to construct classes that have similar characteristics (e.g. Party). The WCO DM provides class information within the spreadsheets as well as in UML class diagrams.
The library and the Information Packages are more a conceptual representation of the data, and they cannot be used directly for actual message transmission. To transmit or exchange information between two or more parties, the information needs to be put into an electronic and machine readable format, such as XML or JSON. This requires that the data elements are organized in classes to construct a specific message.
Figure 8 Excerpt from a WCO DM Class Diagram
The data elements in the WCO DM are used to exchange specific pieces of information between the senders and recipients of messages. Codes are used to transfer agreed meanings, rather than text which can be prone to errors. Therefore, as much information exchange as possible is carried out using mutually agreed codes.
Using the codes defined in the WCO DM ensures that data can be readily understood by, and exchanged between WCO DM users. Where codes are used, the WCO DM identifies the code sets to be used, providing values and their definitions.
Code sets are comprised of code values. A code value represents a specific item within a set. In the example below, the code set is UN/ECE Recommendation 21 and the code values are 0 to 9, with the meanings provided alongside.
When implementing the WCO DM, administrations must use the code values and code sets provided in the WCO DM.
Figure 9 Examples of code sets and code lists used in the WCO DM
A full list of UN/EDIFACT code lists is included in the WCO DM App.
In addition to code sets and codes lists, the WCO DM uses the Core Data Type (CDT) concept based on the UN/CEFACT Core Component Technical Specification.
Figure 10 Examples of Core Data Types
A major aspect of modern Customs’ forward-thinking is the notion of Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and within that concept, the whole-of-government Single Window.
The WCO DM is the key enabler for a Single Window environment as it is the solution for optimized electronic data exchange, providing a global standard for whole-of-government cross-border data requirements. It promotes the concept of ‘single submission’ of data – where each piece of information is submitted only once through a single point of entry to the cross-border regulatory agencies. The objective is to obtain such data from the parties that are in the best position to provide it. The data should be obtained at the earliest point in time in the supply chain and incrementally added by relevant parties, as it becomes available along the international supply chain.
The WCO DM provides all border control agencies with a universal language for cross-border regulatory data exchange, thus enabling the early sharing of information. It enhances risk management with minimum calls on commercial operators, as the critical data needs of all related cross-border regulatory agencies can be met by a single submission to the Single Window.
As an enabler for information exchange between all CBRAs as well as private sector economic operators, the WCO DM has numerous interrelations to other international conventions, instruments, standards and tools.
The WCO DM can support or even enable the implementation of related international agreements or recommendations such as Trade Facilitation Agreement, IMO/FAO Convention, TIIR and CODEX. Furthermore, the WCO DM itself was built using established international conventions and standards.
The WCO Council adopted the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in June 1999 as the blueprint for modern and efficient customs procedures in the 21st Century. It has come into force on 3 February 2006. The RKC is the fundamental Convention for the WCO DM; it provides the basis for the customs procedures that are addressed in the WCO DM.
The RKC elaborates several key governing principles, chief among which are:
• Transparency and predictability of Customs’ actions;
• Standardization and simplification of the goods declaration and supporting documents;
• Simplified procedures for authorized persons;
• Maximum use of information technology;
• Minimum customs control necessary to ensure compliance with regulations;
• Use of risk management and audit-based controls;
• Coordinated interventions with other border agencies; and
• Partnership with Trade.
The WCO’s mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Customs administrations by harmonizing and simplifying Customs procedures. In order to further trade facilitation the WCO has developed and maintains various standards, instruments and tools. The WCO DM is one of the tools that the WCO provides in this context. Other WCO instruments and tools that are strongly interrelated with the WCO DM are described below:
SAFE Framework of Standards
In June 2005 the WCO Council adopted the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE FoS), that acts as a deterrent to international terrorism, helps secure revenue collection and promotes trade facilitation worldwide. The core principles of the SAFE Framework of Standards include advance electronic information (AEI) and risk management. The WCO DM takes this requirement into account and contains structures that can be used for exchanging AEI under the SAFE FoS; for example, using the WCO DM, electronic messages can be created to enable end-to-end container tracking, as well as effective and timely risk management.
Similarly, the WCO DM supports the implementation of all three Pillars of the SAFE Framework: Pillar 1 (Customs-to-Customs), Pillar 2 (Customs-to-Business) and Pillar 3 (Customs-to-Other Government and Inter-Government Agencies) and respective associated standards.
Coordinated Border Management
Coordinated Border Management (CBM) is an approach to manage the interaction between border control agencies in order to ensure efficient and effective processes applicable to travellers, goods and means of conveyance. The issues addressed by CBM include:
• Complex procedures
• Integrity problems
• Excessive numbers of controls
• Poor co-ordination of border control processes
• Ineffective information sharing among border agencies
CBM involves all stakeholders at the border, cross-border regulatory agencies including Customs and the private sector. As CBM also addresses information exchange, the WCO DM is an enabler for this approach.
Single Window Guidelines
The importance of the WCO Data Model for the development of a Single Window environment has already been described in Chapter III. In order to support capacity building efforts, the WCO has developed the Compendium on “Building a Single Window Environment”. The Compendium consists of two volumes providing comprehensive guidance on how to build a Single Window environment. It also contains “Guidelines on Data Harmonization”, which are based on the WCO DM as the foundation for undertaking data harmonization work, as a basic building block for the development of a Single Window environment.
Customs-Business Partnership Guidance
The Guidance provides a detailed, step-by-step, phased approach, together with several best practices for developing a robust and sustainable engagement/partnership mechanism between Customs and Business. The WCO Data Model has been developed in cooperation with the trade and transport community, and other cross-border regulatory agencies. They are also involved in the work of maintaining the WCO Data Model. Therefore, the WCO Data Model itself is a successful example of Customs-Business partnership on the one hand, while on the other hand it facilitates the exchange of information between businesses and Customs, and also supports initiatives such as Single Window, the AEO Programme, and mutual recognition of controls and AEOs.
Risk Management Compendium
The development and implementation of an intelligence-enabled risk management framework, along with the development of a risk management culture within a Customs organization, is seen as one of the principles associated with modern Customs administrations. The WCO Risk Management Compendium meets the need to define a common approach enabling Customs administrations to speak the same language about the methodology they utilize to identify and mitigate potential risks. Effective risk management without information is impossible. The availability of standardized and harmonized data is the key element, and in this context the WCO DM is one of the main enablers of an effective risk management system.
The WCO DM could be implemented at the national or regional level in a cross-border Single Window environment. However, it can also be implemented without a Single Window. Greater benefits will be derived from the WCO DM if implementation takes into account scenarios involving bilateral or multilateral data exchange. In addition, implementation should take place only after close consultation with Trade and cross-border regulatory agencies.
It should be noted that the following adoption strategy focuses only on the specific issue of the development of WCO DM conformant data sets and messages as a basis for a system that enables data exchange. More general guidance on ICT project management can be found in the “WCO IT Guide for Executives”, while specific guidelines on the establishment of a Single Window environment are the subject of the WCO Compendium on “Building a Single Window Environment”.
Adoption of the WCO DM enables the use of standardized data sets that will allow greater facilitation of international trade and increased efficiency of cross-border processes. Harmonization and standardization eliminate the redundancy of data submitted to governments and enable the implementation of single-window systems, under which all required regulatory information is managed electronically by a single point of contact.
Aligning an original data set with the WCO DM requires strong support by executive management, knowledge of the business processes and legal framework, as well as advanced ICT technical skills. The figure below shows the WCO DM Adoption Strategy.
Figure 11 WCO DM Adoption Strategy
Identification of Business Area
First of all, the business area needs to be identified. This includes the identification and definition of the procedures and business processes, as well as the strategic scope and the vision to be addressed by the adoption project. It also entails the identification of all relevant stakeholders and attribution of ownership responsibilities.
The main Customs procedures as outlined in the RKC can be a useful guideline for this step. Depending on the strategic objective of the mapping project, WCO instruments and tools such as the Single Window Compendium, the SAFE FoS or the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce can provide further guidance (see also Chapter III).
Inventory of Data Requirements
The investigation and definition of data requirements includes:
a) A business diagnostic in order to examine and analyse:
• the legal framework (national, regional and international)
• the identified business processes and procedures (e.g., need for changes or standardization of processes through business process modelling, identification of information as input or output for the various steps in the process)
• existing paper forms (e.g., possibilities for standardization, elimination or transfer to electronic data exchange)
• ICT systems already in place (including their technical specifications with regard to data requirements)
b) Data diagnostic and data inventory to define:
• the relevant data elements based on the outcome of the business diagnostic
• the draft data set
Mapping of the WCO DM
In order to map the identified data set to the WCO DM, the use of a 4-step mapping methodology is recommended. This 4-step mapping methodology is an approach for mapping a data set to the WCO DM with the objective of developing a WCO DM-conformant data set.
The 4-step mapping methodology consists of the following steps:
The “WCO Data Model Mapping Guide” provides practical support for the process of mapping a data set to the WCO DM, and for the development of a My Information Package (MyIP). For that purpose, the Guide includes explanations of the mapping process as well as templates for working materials and practical instructions on how to use those materials.
Once the mapping has been finalized, the Message Implementation Guideline (MIG) can be produced. The MIG describes how the message definitions are to be used in the context of the exchange of the identified and mapped data elements, based on the WCO DM and the supported message syntaxes.
An electronic message is conformant with the WCO DM when its data element specifications (including its data definition, format representation and recommended code list), information structures and syntax are true subsets of the standards of the WCO DM. Conformance to the WCO DM means the capability to produce, transmit, receive and process WCO DM-conformant electronic messages.
The status of being conformant indicates the capability of regulatory border management information systems to exchange electronic information efficiently. The level of conformity of a national or regional data model to the WCO DM is identified by means of three categories, namely ‘non-conformant’, ‘compatible’ and ‘conformant’.
Alignment with the Standards
The final step of the Adoption Strategy includes the actual implementation of an information system that is conformant to the WCO DM. This will usually be part of a national implementation plan.
This step also addresses the maintenance work on the WCO DM, as implementation may necessitate changes to the WCO DM itself. Such changes must be requested through the formal Procedure for WCO Data Maintenance Requests (see Chapter VII on Maintaining the WCO DM).
The WCO DM is developed and maintained by the Data Model Projects Team (DMPT). The DMPT meets regularly during the year, with the participation of delegates from WCO Members and observers from other international organizations, trade associations and the private sector.
Members and interested parties from the business community are encouraged to participate in the work of the DMPT, in order to improve subsequent versions of the WCO DM.
WCO Member administrations have agreed that changes to the WCO DM must follow strict amendment procedures. Data elements, for example, will be added only if it is determined that the requested element is critical to the needs of the requesting Member administration and that the information cannot be derived from an existing data element in the Data Model. Changes and additions should be required or supported by at least two Members using the DMR procedure, under which Members represented in the DMPT have to decide whether the DMR will be approved, withdrawn, rejected or deferred. Even though the DMR is supported if there is an objection of (an) other member(s) it can still be possible that the DMR will not be accepted.
The originator of a DMR should be the delegate of a WCO Member; DMRs originating from other organizations/associations must be presented by a WCO Member, in exceptional cases the WCO can be the Originator. DMRs are processed by the delegates present at the DMPT meeting concerned; each DMR is given a status; if accepted, a DMR will be included in the next release of the DM after finalizing the necessary modelling work.
The DMRs is a way to manage the growing and evolving maintenance procedure within the WCO DM and the content has been broadened and deepened in stages with input from members administrations which has helped to produce annual versions.
Based on DMRs and other improvement and development needs, the DMPT normally updates the published version of the WCO DM annually. Upgrading to a latest release of the WCO DM in national implementation is required only when the national administration intends to include a functionality that is not covered by previous versions.
Other key international conventions and recommendations (besides the RKC) that are interconnected with the WCO DM are:
• WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)
• WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation
• HS Convention (International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, 1983)
• General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
• IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (IMO FAL)
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
• Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention)
• International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
• The Codex Alimentarius or "Food Code"
• World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) International Standards and Codes
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)/Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
• Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
The WCO DM data set and message structures have been developed taking into account existing international data standards, such as
• UN/TDED
• ISO Standards
These standards are widely used for international trade by traders, regulators, and service providers such as transport operators.
Further information about the WCO DM can be found on the following websites and platforms:
• WCO DM App:
https://datamodel.wcoomd.org/#/
• WCO E-Learning platform CLiKC! (credentials needed):
http://clikc.wcoomd.org/login/
AIP Additional Information Package
AEI Advance Electronic Information
AEO Authorized Economic Operator
API Application Programming Interface
B2G Business-to-Government
BIP Base Information Package
CBM Coordinated Border Management
CBRAs Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies
CDT Core Data Type
DIP Derived Information Package
DM Data Model
DMR Data Maintenance Request
DMPT Data Model Projects Team
EDI Electronic Data Interchange
G2B Government-to-Business
G2G Government-to-Government
GNC Globally Networked Customs
GOVCBR Government Cross-Border Regulatory message
ICT Information and Communications Technology, or Technologies
Json Java Script Object Notation
MDIP Meta Data Information Package
MyIP My Information Package
MIG Message Implementation Guideline
MRA Mutual Recognition Arrangement/ Agreement
OIS Overall Information Structure
RKC Revised Kyoto Convention
UML Unified Modelling Language
UN/TDED United Nations Trade Data Element Directory
UN/EDIFACT United Nations Rules for Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport
WCO World Customs Organization
XML Extensible Markup Language