Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has officially acceded to the World Customs Organization (WCO), becoming the 187th member on 17th September 2025.

Through its accession, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins the global Customs Community dedicated to facilitating trade, enhancing border security, and advancing international cooperation.

Membership of the WCO opens the door for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to benefit from a broad range of knowledge-sharing opportunities, technical expertise, and capacity building initiatives.

Membership of the WCO will enable the country to strengthen its Customs Administration, aligning with global standards and best practices to promote efficient and secure trade flows.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will now sit at WCO’s various working bodies, including the WCO Council, which will convene the Heads of global Customs Administrations meeting, in June 2026.

WCO Secretary General, Mr. Ian Saunders welcomed the country’s accession stating, “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines joins the WCO at a time when Customs Administrations around the world are navigating a period of increased complexity, but also one of great opportunity.

The WCO remains a source of high-quality, forward-thinking support and leadership, reinforcing resilience, adaptability and efficiency of Customs Administrations. I look forward to working with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance Customs’ mission of facilitating legitimate trade, ensuring fair revenue collection and protecting society.”