In line with the World Customs Organization (WCO) theme for 2026 — “Customs: Vigilance and Dedication for a Secure Society” — the 46th session of the WCO Enforcement Committee was held. Established in 1983, this body remains a cornerstone of the WCO structure. Officials from the State Customs Service of Ukraine, specifically representatives from the Department of Specialized Training and Canine Support (Department), participated in the meetings via an online format. The event served as a platform for strengthening international coordination and implementing cutting-edge tools to combat global threats.
In a historic first, this year’s session was jointly opened by the WCO Secretary General and the Chairperson of the Council. This unprecedented step underscores the strategic importance of the Committee’s work and highlights the increased institutional focus on enforcement within the current geopolitical landscape. The Committee officially updated its format, shifting the emphasis toward strategic dialogue between members.
A milestone for customs canine services was the approval of the final versions of two fundamental documents, which had undergone extensive preparation:
- WCO Compendium on Customs Canine Programmes: Best Practices and Guidelines;
- Standards for the Accreditation of WCO Regional Dog Training Centres.
Notably, the Department’s proposals were fully incorporated into Section 3 “Canine Programme and Training Centre” of the draft Standards for the Accreditation of WCO Regional Dog Training Centres. During the discussion of Agenda Item V, the Customs Attaché of the State Customs Service delivered a professional intervention prepared by the Department’s experts. This once again confirmed the high standing and authority of the Ukrainian canine school on the international stage.
Beyond canine affairs, participants focused on innovation, ranging from a drone demonstration by Netherlands Customs to the use of Big Data for enhancing customs control. Special attention was paid to combating organized crime and securing e-commerce. Furthermore, the Committee analyzed the results of global operations from 2025–2026 (including THUNDER, DEMETER XI, STOP IV, and TENTACLE MENA), which demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated actions in countering the smuggling of narcotics, weapons, and financial crimes. The session concluded with the election of new leadership for 2027 and the approval of the WCO Work Plan for 2025–2026, which envisions an integrated approach to planning enforcement activities.
