WHO, WTO and WCO Update Customs Classification for Vaccines

The World Health Organisation (WHO), working in collaboration with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has supported updates to the global system used by countries to classify goods at customs, aimed at strengthening preparedness for future health emergencies.

According to a departmental update issued on February 2, 2026, thirty-eight new customs codes for human vaccines and other essential medical products will be introduced under the Harmonized System (HS) beginning January 1, 2028. The new codes will cover items including vaccines, facemasks and personal protective equipment, as well as ambulances and mobile clinics. The changes are intended to improve the tracking of vaccine and medical product shipments worldwide and support faster, more coordinated emergency responses.

The Harmonised System is used by more than 200 countries and economies as the global standard for classifying traded products, setting tariffs, and compiling comparable trade statistics. By expanding the number of vaccine-specific customs codes, the updated system is expected to better align trade policies with public health objectives. The initiative is also expected to facilitate expedited customs procedures for essential vaccines during emergencies and improve access to global vaccine trade data, enhancing transparency and supporting WHO’s long-term goal of equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

WHO played a significant role in the update by assessing which existing and pipeline vaccines should be included in the new classification. The organization’s Market Information for Access (MI4A) peer platform, which draws on data from Member States, was used to identify vaccines with significant current or expected trade volumes and those targeting diseases for which immunization is critical.

The WHO–WCO–WTO collaboration highlights how multilateral partnerships can address global challenges and shape international standards, the update stated.