Latest articles

WCO Enforcement Committee drives cooperation and innovation to tackle illicit trade

• Enforcement Committee endorses new enforcement tools and updated guidance to strengthen Customs administrations’ capacity to combat illicit trade, including new handbooks, best practice compendiums and updated risk management resources.
• Strategic discussions focus on leveraging data, technology and international cooperation to address emerging enforcement threats and enhance intelligence-driven Customs operations.
• Presentation of results from major global enforcement operations targeting areas such as wildlife trafficking, waste trafficking, drug smuggling, intellectual property rights (IPRs), health and safety, weapons trafficking, and financial crime, highlighting the impact of coordinated international Customs action.

Representatives of Customs administrations, Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) and partner organizations gathered at WCO Headquarters in Brussels from 23 to 26 March 2026 for the 46^th Session of the Enforcement Committee. The session focused on strengthening global cooperation and equipping Customs administrations with modern tools to combat illicit trade and emerging enforcement threats.

Aligned with the WCO theme for 2026, “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”, the session provided a platform for Members to exchange experiences, identify evolving risks in Customs enforcement, and explore practical responses to cross-border crime.

Strengthening the Committee’s strategic role

A positive development during the session was the revamp of the Enforcement Committee’s format, which now places greater emphasis on strategic dialogue between Members. The revised approach aims to deepen discussions on emerging enforcement challenges and strengthen the Committee’s role as a platform for international Customs cooperation.

In this context, the Committee reviewed and revised its Terms of Reference (ToR) and Rules of Procedure (RoP) to ensure that its working methods remain aligned with current rules and practice, while enhancing the Committee’s overall effectiveness.

New tools to enhance Customs enforcement

The Enforcement Committee endorsed five new tools designed to strengthen Customs administrations’ capacity to address illicit trade across multiple enforcement domains:

• Customs Enforcement Operations Handbook
• Guiding document on information exchange and mutual administrative assistance (MAA): Concept Note
• Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) Handbook - leveraging accounting records to detect errors and fraud in Customs valuation
• Accreditation Standard for WCO Regional Dog Training Centres (WCO RDTCs)
• WCO Compendium for Customs Canine Programme: Best Practices and Guidelines

In addition, Members endorsed updates to several key existing resources. These included the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium, with a new chapter on General Aviation Risk Indicators and an updated chapter on Postal/Express Consignments Risk Indicators

The Committee also endorsed updates to the Strategy for Fighting Customs-related Commercial Fraud, including complementary guidance for Chapter 13 on “Blocking an Unauthorized Tobacco Sales Website” and updates to Chapter 18 on “The Internet and Electronic Crime”. The document titled “Fraud Detected through Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and its Techniques” was updated as well.

The new and updated tools will be submitted to the Policy Commission for endorsement and subsequently to the WCO Council for final approval prior to publication.

Leveraging technology and data for smarter enforcement

The growing importance of data-driven enforcement and digital tools in supporting Customs operations was discussed during the session. Members noted the continued value of platforms such as the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), the Cargo Targeting System (CTS) and the WCO Geoportal, which help administrations enhance intelligence-sharing, risk analysis and operational coordination.

Delegates also participated in a panel discussion on “Leveraging Data and Technology to Enhance Customs Enforcement”. The session generated valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with digitalization in the enforcement domain. The Committee recognized that data-driven and interoperable technological solutions play a key role in enhancing Customs risk management and operational effectiveness.

A real-world example of leveraging technology came as Netherlands Customs provided delegates with an insight into its experience of using drones to support the work of Customs. A technical demonstration was given, focusing on the application of drone technology and its benefits in the enforcement domain.

Addressing emerging threats and strengthening cooperation

The Committee held a policy dialogue exploring the linkages between organized crime and Customs integrity, encouraging Members to share experiences and policy options aimed at strengthening transparent and resilient border management. Delegates identified effective integrity and accountability measures that strengthen trust both within and across border agencies, and encouraged the exchange of experiences and policy options to support the development of more resilient and transparent border management systems. 

A breakout session focused on enhancing information exchange for stronger Customs cooperation, enabling participants to identify practical approaches to reinforce cross-border collaboration and improve operational responsiveness. The Committee advanced the policy dialogue on revitalizing information-exchange frameworks, including the Nairobi Convention and other mutual administrative assistance instruments, while identifying practical ways to strengthen cross-border cooperation, enhance enforcement synergies, and foster inclusive partnerships with the private sector and academia to address emerging global trade challenges.

Operational results highlight global enforcement efforts

Delegates reviewed the results and lessons learned from several major global and regional enforcement operations, illustrating the broad range of threats faced by Customs administrations. These operations included:

• Operation THUNDER 2025, targeting wildlife and timber trafficking
• Operation DEMETER XI, focused on waste trafficking and environmentally sensitive goods
• Operation STOP IV, addressing IPR infringements
• Operation STINGRAY, targeting nuclear and other radioactive materials
• Operation GLOBAL GATEWAY, addressing explosive precursors used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• Operation CALYPSO 2, combating illicit trade in small arms and light weapons
• Operation COCAIR VIII, targeting drug trafficking
• Operation LYNX, addressing illicit trade in excisable products
• Operation TENTACLE MENA 2025, focused on combating money laundering and terrorism financing

These operational activities demonstrated the value of coordinated, intelligence-driven enforcement actions across regions and enforcement domains. During the four-day meeting, participants also visited an exhibition area focusing on the WCO’s enforcement projects and programmes.  

Advancing the WCO enforcement agenda

Members also discussed a number of strategic topics, including emerging enforcement threats, enforcement projects, capacity-building initiatives and expert deployment, supply chain integrity, the WCO enforcement policy on e-commerce, and the WCO Fragile Borders Action Plan.

The Committee endorsed the WCO Work Plan 2025-2026, which introduces a more integrated and strategic approach to enforcement planning, moving beyond separate work programmes for individual working bodies.

Delegates further welcomed a new webinar series aligned with the WCO theme for 2026, placing enforcement at the centre of the Organization’s collective efforts to protect society.

Looking ahead

In her closing remarks, the WCO Director for Policy and Standards commended the active engagement of Members throughout the session and their willingness to share experiences and expertise.

The 46^th Session of the Enforcement Committee concluded with the election of Oumou Keita Traore from Mali as Chairperson and Rodriguez Umaña Angelica Nissely from Guatemala as Vice-Chairperson for the 47^th Session of the Enforcement Committee to be held in 2027.

(Source:https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2026/march/wco-enforcement-committee-drives-cooperation-and-innovation-to-tackle-illicit-trade.aspx)