New Customs Classification for Vaccines Boosts Emergency Readiness

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization, has assisted in updating the system that countries use to classify goods at customs. Thirty-eight new customs codes for human vaccines and other essential medical products, including face masks, personal protective equipment, ambulances, and mobile clinics, will be incorporated into the Harmonized System on January 1, 2028 (HS 2028). This updated system will facilitate the tracking of vaccine and medical product shipments globally and ensure quicker, more coordinated responses during future health emergencies.

Used by more than 200 countries and economies, the HS is the global customs standard utilized for classifying traded products, establishing tariffs, and compiling comparable trade statistics. By increasing the number of customs codes for vaccines, trade policies can be better aligned with public health objectives. Specifically, this initiative will streamline customs procedures for essential vaccines during emergencies. It will also enhance access to global vaccine trade data, promoting transparency and contributing to the WHO’s long-term mission of ensuring equitable access to vaccines worldwide.

WHO contributed significantly to the updated system by assessing which vaccines, both existing and those in the pipeline, should be included in the new classification. The WHO Market Information for Access (MI4A) peer platform, which leverages data collected from Member States, was used to help identify which vaccines represent significant current or expected trade volumes and address diseases where immunization is vital.

The strong partnership between the WCO, WTO, and WHO to enhance vaccine classification demonstrates how multilateral collaboration tackles global challenges and influences international standards.

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