The attendees of the 34th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting pose for a commemorative photograph. GDCE
Senior officials of the customs delegations from ASEAN member countries have jointly expressed concern over the unilateral imposition of customs tariffs by the US, which they fear could create uncertainty and pose significant challenges for investors. Such actions may negatively affect global trade measures, especially by creating barriers to economic development within the ASEAN region.
This was explained in a joint statement which relayed the outcome of the 34th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting, held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, from June 3 to June 5.
Cambodia’s delegation was led by Kun Nhim, director-general of the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE). In addition to representatives from ASEAN member states, a delegation from Timor-Leste were invited to attend as observers.
The GDCE stated that the meeting addressed two main issues: 1, Progress on the ASEAN Customs Development Strategic Plan 2021–2025, and 2: Progress on the ASEAN Single Window System.
The statement highlighted progress in drafting guidelines for the exchange of trade data between customs administrations and businesses via electronic systems, aiming to enhance risk management and compliance in e-commerce.
The attendees approved the ASEAN Customs Development Strategic Plan 2026–2030, A new Customs Valuation Guideline for 2025, Guidelines on customs valuation data sharing and The ASEAN Integrity Risk Map.
The statement reiterated concerns over the unilateral tariff measures imposed by the US, which create uncertainty and major challenges for businesses, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). These measures disrupt global trade measures, hinder trade and investment flows both regionally and globally, and obstruct economic growth in ASEAN.
The GDCE noted that the meeting reaffirmed support for a predictable, transparent, fair, free, inclusive and sustainable multilateral trading system based on agreements and rules under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Additionally, participants agreed to strengthen cooperation to uphold the integrity and compliance of global supply chains and prevent illegal trade activities, including transshipment through third countries and origin fraud.
They also held bilateral consultations with The World Customs Organization (WCO), and the customs administrations of Australia, China, Japan and South Korea.
These discussions aimed to further enhance customs cooperation, including technical assistance and best practice sharing, joint customs operations to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime, and confidential information exchange to adapt to rapidly evolving economic and trade conditions.
Furthermore, they held consultations with key private sector business councils, including the ASEAN Business Council (ABC), the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC).
These consultations sought to strengthen public-private partnerships and find solutions to challenges raised by the private sector in support of trade facilitation, and to enhance the overall investment and trade environment in the region.
According to rotational principles and alphabetical order, the GDCE will assume the chairmanship and hosting duties of the 35th ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting, which will take place in Cambodia in mid-2026.
