25-27 August 2025, Qingdao, China

The 4th Meeting of Heads of WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) took place in Qingdao, China, from 25 to 27 August 2025, hosted by RCL China. The meeting also marked the official establishment of two new RCLs and one RTC in the Asia/Pacific region RCL China (Qingdao), RCL China (Haikou), and RTC China (Qinhuangdao).

Having served as the organizer of the previous three RCL Heads Meetings, the ROCB A/P is proud to have contributed to building a strong foundation for regional collaboration. Following the decision of the 26th RHCA Meeting, new arrangements under which future RCL Heads Meetings will be organized by the host administration and coordinated by the APVC was adopted. During this transitional period, our office served as facilitators, ensuring continuity and supporting the smooth handover of responsibilities.

Throughout the meeting, each RCL shared its latest updates, including achievements in analytical expertise, laboratory management and capacity building activities. These updates reflected the evolving roles and functions of the RCLs: moving beyond their traditional area of HS classification to a stronger focus on enforcement-related work, while also expanding into new areas such as environmental protection. This shift underscores the growing importance of scientific support to address emerging global challenges.

Another highlight was the WCO RCL Professionals Programme, which showcased the valuable contributions of RCLs in strengthening the technical knowledge and in nurturing a new generation of customs laboratory professionals.

The meeting also reaffirmed the eagerness of RCLs to deepen cooperation and enhance information exchange, particularly in developing new analytical methodologies and sharing best practices. This collaborative spirit is essential for ensuring that customs laboratories remain effective in responding to complex and evolving enforcement challenges.

The ROCB A/P reiterated its continued commitment to supporting the RCLs through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and fostering stronger linkages with other WCO regional entities. While our role has shifted from organizer to observer, our dedication to promoting the growth and sustainability of the regional laboratory network remains unchanged.

For more information, please contact us at rocb@rocbap.org