OPCW, World Customs Organization sign memorandum to enhance cooperation on toxic chemical trade

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), along with the World Customs Organization (WCO), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that enhances cooperation to tighten national and international controls on the trade of toxic chemicals.

The MOU was signed by OPCW Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü and WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya.

“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 of dual-use chemical,” Üzümcü said. “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.”

The agreement sets up various steps to ensure enhanced coordination between OPCW and WCO through consultations, information exchanges, technical cooperation, and cross-representation at international meetings.

“By combining our expertise and resources, as well as our years of experience in building enforcement capacity and strengthening trade controls, this partnership provides the WCO and the OPCW with the means to mobilize customs officials worldwide, enabling a significant impact to be made at borders,” Mikuriya said.

WCO is an independent intergovernmental body that strives to enhance customs administrations’ effectiveness. The organization represents 180 customs administrations across the world, covering approximately 98 percent of all world trade.