The World Health Organization, working in collaboration with the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization, has supported an update to the global customs classification system to improve tracking and movement of vaccines and essential medical products. As part of the revision, 38 new customs codes covering human vaccines and critical healthcare supplies such as facemasks, personal protective equipment, ambulances and mobile clinics will be introduced under the Harmonized System 2028, which comes into effect on January 1, 2028.

The revised classification framework is expected to significantly enhance the ability of countries to monitor cross-border shipments of vaccines and medical products. By providing more granular and standardized codes, the updated system will help streamline customs clearance processes and support faster, more coordinated responses during future public health emergencies.

The Harmonized System is used by more than 200 countries and economies as the global standard for classifying traded goods, determining tariffs and compiling comparable international trade statistics. Expanding the number of vaccine-specific codes will allow trade policies to align more closely with public health priorities. The changes are also expected to improve access to global vaccine trade data, strengthen transparency and support the World Health Organization’s long-term objective of equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

WHO played a key role in shaping the updated classification by assessing which vaccines, including both currently available products and those under development, should be reflected in the new codes. The organization drew on insights from its Market Information for Access peer platform, which compiles data submitted by Member States, to identify vaccines with significant current or projected trade volumes and those targeting diseases where immunization is considered critical.

The update highlights the importance of collaboration among international institutions in addressing global health and trade challenges. The joint efforts of the WHO, WTO and WCO demonstrate how multilateral cooperation can influence international standards and strengthen global preparedness for future health emergencies.