The
UNODC-WCO Container Control Programme (CCP) was established as a joint initiative of the UNODC and the WCO in 2004. Faced
with such a complex and globalized problem, the CCP embraces a nuanced, holistic and multi-sectoral approach by providing
continuous monitoring and oversight, offering a plethora of context-specific training programmes and strengthening cooperation
between state agencies and with the private sector. The mission of the CCP is to build capacity in Member States seeking to
improve risk management, supply chain security and trade facilitation in seaports, airports and land border crossings in order
to prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods.
At present,
the CCP is operational in over 55 Member States. More than 115 Port Control Units (PCUs) and Air Cargo Control Units (ACCUs)
have been established since the CCP's inception in 2004. These inter-agency units are equipped to exchange information with
their counterparts in other countries using a secure communication application, developed by the WCO, called ContainerComm.
This provides PCUs and ACCUs with access to a wealth of information, allowing users to share information about high-risk containers
and verify their identification numbers.
These
efforts have resulted in seizures of a wide range of prohibited goods, such as weapons and ammunition, proceeds of fisheries,
forest, wildlife and other environmental crime, prohibited drugs, strategic goods, falsified or unlicensed medicines, precursors
for drugs and explosives, cigarettes, alcohol, stolen vehicles and goods which are counterfeit or otherwise violate intellectual
property law. The CCP remains ideally placed to support the strengthening of international supply chain security by building
national border administrations' capacities to tackle threats related to sea, land and air cargo.
