EU, WCO and UNODC Launch Joint Action to Strengthen Container Control

Ports are the backbones of international trade, but are highly vulnerable to illicit trafficking, as criminal networks exploit the scale, complexity, and limited inspection of containerized trade. About 90% of the world’s cargo is transported in maritime containers, but only a fraction is physically inspected by customs authorities. This provides opportunities for organized crime and terrorist groups to exploit these trade volumes and traffic illicit commodities, such as timber and wildlife, nuclear materials, weapons and illicit drugs.   

Ports are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the movement of approximately 90 per cent of global cargo through maritime containers. Yet, the sheer scale and complexity of containerized trade also make ports highly vulnerable to exploitation by criminal networks. As only a small fraction of containers is physically inspected by customs authorities, organized crime and terrorist groups increasingly exploit maritime supply chains to traffic illicit commodities, including drugs, weapons, wildlife and timber products, nuclear and radiological materials, and other prohibited goods. 

In response to these challenges, the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have joined forces under the Container Control Action to strengthen the capacities of border management authorities at ports to identify and inspect high-risk containers, primarily along maritime trafficking routes. 

Launched in May 2026, the Action builds on the established global network of the UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) and seeks to strengthen strategically positioned inter-agency Port Control Units at key source and transit points along global trafficking routes. Following initial port assessment missions in the primary intervention countries, the Action will support authorities in enhancing information and intelligence exchange, strengthening risk assessment and targeting practices, and improving interdiction capacities to better identify and intercept illicit shipments. 

About EU Action on Container Control in Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa

The EU Action on Container Control in Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa is implemented under the EU Global Threats programme, funded by the European Union. 

Implemented by the UNODC Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project aims to support the disruption of illicit trafficking via containers by strengthening capacities to identify and search suspicious containers, primarily along maritime routes, enhancing information and intelligence exchange, and improving interdiction capacities at major international seaports, dry ports, land borders and container terminals. 

Download the project factsheet