No Trader Left Behind: Complex trade facilitation programmes hindering greater global trade access for small businesses

• WCO, WTO and ICC release joint report to support inclusive global markets and bring smaller businesses into trade facilitation programmes.
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) face significant challenges in accessing global trade and navigating complex requirements. This can be changed through multilateral cooperation, particularly in trade finance, digitalization, and regulatory simplification.
• Need for Customs administrations to adapt trade facilitation Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes to be more inclusive and flexible, with simplified processes, digitalization, targeted outreach, and better alignment of benefits.

Brussels, 13 November 2025 - The World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) today released a joint report on Integration of MSMEs into Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes¹. The report calls for Customs administrations to remove barriers to ensure that MSMEs-the backbone of the global economy-can access and benefit from global markets.

Commitment to Inclusive Trade

The joint report reaffirms the commitment of the WCO, WTO, and ICC to collaborate, pledging to provide leadership, guidance, and technical assistance that enables Customs administrations and MSMEs to thrive in an evolving trade environment.

"The future of trade facilitation hinges on successful partnerships between the public and private sectors. These partnerships must include all economic operators, and in particular MSMEs. Through our ongoing initiatives, we aim to support Customs administrations and, where necessary, other public authorities, in creating pathways that enable MSMEs to benefit from the security and efficiency gains of these programmes. Together, we can build a future in which no trader is left behind, and every business, regardless of size, has the opportunity to thrive in a secure and efficient global trade ecosystem" said WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Secretary General of ICC, John W.H. Denton AO, in a joint foreword.

Key Findings

MSMEs as Economic Drivers: MSMEs represent approximately 90% of all businesses and account for over half of global employment. In emerging markets, they contribute up to 40% of GDP, with informal MSMEs adding a similar share.

Trade Participation: MSMEs generate 36% of exports and 41% of imports in developed economies. In developing economies, 11% of MSME income comes from direct exports, while one-third of inputs for production are sourced from abroad.

Challenges Identified: Limited access to financing, regulatory complexity, inadequate infrastructure, market and skills gaps, lack of awareness and resources to address complex compliance requirements and vulnerability to supply chain disruptions continue to hinder MSME integration into global trade.

The Report emphasizes that addressing these challenges requires targeted policy interventions and multilateral cooperation, particularly in trade finance, digitalization, and regulatory simplification.

About the Report

With the ultimate objective that Customs Administrations support the expansion of global trade in which every business, regardless of size, can thrive in a secure and efficient global trade ecosystem, the joint report explores the integration of MSMEs into AEO programmes under the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards. The SAFE Framework is a key mechanism to enhance supply chain security and facilitate trade. It aims to serve as a resource for Customs administrations, policymakers, and trade stakeholders, offering insights and best practices for advancing an inclusive and equitable approach to trade facilitation.

Driving Change Through Collaboration

The WCO, WTO, and ICC call for a more flexible and inclusive approach to AEO implementation, ensuring that smaller businesses are not left behind. The report highlights that one-size-fits-all models do not effectively address MSME constraints, urging Customs administrations to adopt tailored support mechanisms and adapt AEO schemes to foster participation, resilience, and competitiveness.

In a series of ten case studies, Customs administrations from around the world show concrete ways that Customs have successfully integrated MSMEs into their programmes. They have done so using information sessions and stakeholder engagement, capacity building, flexible accreditation criteria, and process simplification, all while Customs maintain alignment with international standards that focus on safe and secure trade facilitation. The implementation of the WCO SAFE Framework, the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement remain at the core of these efforts, enhancing global security, promoting economic growth, and fostering partnerships between Customs and the business community.

A Path Toward Resilient and Inclusive Trade

The report concludes that integrating MSMEs into AEO and other trade facilitation programmes is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient global trading system - and many Customs administrations are already taking steps in this direction. This report is a must read - providing practical tools and guidance - for industry, businesses and governments. Strengthening collaboration between Customs and the private sector will not only boost economic growth but also enhance supply chain security worldwide.

[1] This Study Report was jointly produced by the WCO Secretariat, WTO Secretariat with the WTO MSME Informal Working Group, and ICC Secretariat.