WCO strengthens work against illicit toxic chemicals trade

The World Customs Organization entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to strengthen national and international controls related to trade of toxic chemicals.    The World Customs Organization (WCO) has entered into a memorandum of understanding to expand its cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to strengthen national and international controls related to trade of toxic chemicals.
   The memorandum was signed by the WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya, and the OPCW Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü on Jan. 13.
   Specifically, the two organizations will enhance their cooperation through consultations, information exchanges, technical cooperation, and representation at each other’s meetings.
   “This strategic partnership constitutes a significant step forward to assist states parties’ efforts in enhancing the capabilities of national customs authorities to exercise the oversight necessary for the trade in dual-use chemicals,” Üzümcü said in a statement.
   “This will help them prevent the misuse of toxic chemicals, and promote peaceful use of chemistry, thus contributing to a safer world. Current threats posed by non-state actors make control over these transfers especially important for international security,” he added.
   The WCO noted customs authorities already play a significant role in detecting and preventing the illegal trade of chemicals relevant to the OPCW’s Chemical Weapons Convention. “A close partnership with the WCO constitutes another step in the OPCW’s path to reducing the risk of chemicals used as weapons,” the organization said.