To enhance the effectiveness of customs administrations and prevent illicit trafficking, UNODC has partnered with the World Customs Organization. The partnership is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in November 1996. The MoU and its revisions focus on the three preliminary overarching themes: organized crime and trafficking, terrorism prevention, drug abuse prevention and health.
Operationally, UNODC and WCO cooperate closely on global programmes to support border management and to combat wildlife trafficking. Established in 2004, the joint Container Control Programme aims to prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods by building capacity to improve risk management, supply chain security, and trade facilitation in seaports, airports, and land border crossings.
