The World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), has supported a major update to the global customs classification system to strengthen tracking and trade of vaccines and essential medical supplies.

Beginning January 1, 2028, 38 new customs codes covering human vaccines and critical health products including facemasks, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ambulances and mobile clinics will be incorporated into the Harmonised System.

The Harmonised System, used by more than 200 countries and economies, serves as the global standard for classifying traded goods, setting tariffs and compiling trade statistics. By expanding vaccine-specific customs codes, the updated framework will enable improved shipment tracking, faster customs clearance during health emergencies and more accurate global trade data.

The initiative is expected to strengthen coordination in future pandemics and public health crises by facilitating expedited customs procedures for essential vaccines. It will also enhance transparency in vaccine trade flows, supporting WHO’s long-term goal of ensuring equitable global access to immunization.

WHO played a key role in shaping the revised classification by identifying both existing and pipeline vaccines suitable for inclusion. The assessment leveraged insights from WHO’s Market Information for Access (MI4A) platform, which collects and analyses data from Member States to evaluate trade volumes and public health priorities.

The collaboration between WHO, WTO and WCO underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global health challenges and aligning trade policies with public health objectives.