Edition 5 – “Insights from the 2026 WCO Council Sessions”
The WCO presents the fifth edition of our newsletter, highlighting how the WCO brings Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world.
This edition spotlights the Council sessions held every year at the end of June in Brussels, Belgium. The Council sessions bring together the heads of Customs administrations from around the world to review, discuss and approve the work of the WCO. As the supreme decision-making body for the WCO the Council sets the priorities and forward agenda for the year ahead.
In this edition, you’ll discover:
- An overview of the outcomes of the 147th/148th Council Sessions
- Latest news articles on the 2026 Council Sessions and Photo Competition winner
- Secretary General op-ed to the G7
- Coming soon – next Webinar in the “Protecting Society” series
Read on to explore these stories and more.
2026 WCO Council Sessions: Customs’ role in protecting society
The 147th/148th WCO Council Sessions opened with a strong call for international cooperation to strengthen border security and facilitate global trade. WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders emphasized that, while Customs administrations face different challenges, they share common responsibilities that are best met through collaboration and the support of the WCO.
Council Chairperson Bashir Adewale Adeniyi highlighted the need to balance speed and security at borders, stressing that effective Customs operations depend on cooperation. The opening session also underscored the value of partnerships in tackling illicit trade and protecting society with video keynote addresses from the leaders of INTERPOL and the International Narcotics Control Board.
Click here for a summary of the opening addresses.
WCO Council Chairperson Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Secretary General Ian Saunders preside over the 147th/148th Council Sessions in Brussels, Belgium.
News tools and guidelines approved by Council
Each year, the Council is presented with new tools, updated guidelines and reports for approval. This approval is the culmination of work that has taken place during WCO committees and working bodies throughout the year. The new reference tools and guidelines reflect international standards and guidelines as set and agreed upon by WCO Members.
For this year, the Council approved a number of different reports, guidelines and tools that will be made available to WCO Members, and the Customs community, where appropriate, to continue to support fair revenue collection, the facilitation of trade and the protection of society through operational handbooks.
While not an exhaustive list, in the coming weeks the following reports, instruments and tools will be available to Members, as approved by Council:
Customs Focus – Panels discuss key issues facing Customs today
While Heads of Customs administrations gathered to review and approve new tools and guidelines for the Customs community, they also took time to discuss two priority issues facing Customs: Data as a strategic asset and Sharpening Customs role in combatting drug trafficking.
On the first day of Council, panellists and delegates discussed how to build the foundations for Customs to leverage data as a strategic asset. As Customs processes and procedures become increasingly digitalized, data is emerging as a critical enabler of more effective and modern Customs operations. The WCO recognizes strengthened data collection and use as essential to enhancing targeting capabilities, streamlining operations, and supporting collaboration with trading partners and international organizations. Panellists introduced their administrations’ approach to data governance, explained how they have built internal capacity and discussed how to navigate the challenges associated with data-sharing and the deployment of emerging technologies.
As criminal networks use increasingly sophisticated methods to traffic illicit drugs through global supply chains, effective collaboration between Customs, Police, and the Judiciary is more important than ever. On the second day of Council, panellists emphasized that enhancing intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement, and joint investigations will strengthen the pivotal role Customs plays in disrupting transnational criminal networks and supporting successful prosecutions, ultimately enhancing the protection of society.
Click here to read more about the panel discussions:
Data as a Strategic Asset: Shaping the WCO's Role in a Data-Driven Customs Landscape”
From border to bust-Sharpening Customs role in protecting society against drug trafficking
WCO Secretary General calls on G7 to support Customs’ role in protecting society
While G7 leaders gathered in Evian, France in June, Secretary General Ian Saunders issued a call to action. Outlining the vital role that Customs plays in securing supply chains, facilitating the movement of legitimate trade and supporting economic prosperity, he reminded G7 leaders of the need to support Customs. Through modernization, enhanced public-private partnerships and innovation, governments must consider Customs when advancing economic policies to ensure a well-functioning global trade system.
Read more here for the Secretary General’s full article published by Global Governance Media in their June 2026 edition for the G7 Summit:
Securing the supply chains that sustain us: the strategic role of customs - Global Governance Media
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Japan Customs wins the 2026 WCO Photo Competition!
Each year, the WCO holds a Photo Competition during the Organization’s Council Sessions. Customs administrations are invited to submit a photo that aligns with the annual theme and showcases Customs in action. This year’s theme “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment” inspired 77 Customs administrations to submit a photo showcasing their officers in action, their detector dogs sniffing out contraband, cargo inspections, or patrols of remote border posts. The photos reflect the vast mandate and missions of Customs around the world.
The winning photo, from Japan Customs shows a typical operation by national Customs enforcement teams, as they monitor and safeguard their areas of control along Japan’s vast coastlines – maintaining round-the-clock vigilance to protect society.
To see all the submissions for 2026 click here: WCO 2026 Photo Competition
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🚨 Public Webinar on the 30th Anniversary of the WCO Data Model
For three decades, the WCO Data Model has served as the global standard for the harmonization of Customs and cross-border regulatory data. Developed and maintained through a Member-driven process, it supports the digitalization of cross-border trade by enabling interoperability of IT systems.
Join the Webinar to learn more about and discuss:
- WCO Data Model Version 4.3.0
- Experiences and perspectives from Members and stakeholders
- Future developments in data interoperability, digital standards, and emerging technologies
Webinar Date: 8 July 2026 from 13:00 - 14:30 Brussels time (UTC+2)
Format: Expert presentations, Member and stakeholder perspectives, and Q&A.
Registration: Public registration is now open.
Illicit Trade Report
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🚨 The Illicit Trade Report 2025 to be published on 8 July.
This annual report, compiling enforcement data from Customs administrations worldwide, will be available on the WCO website for reference.
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🚨 Don’t miss the next WCO Webinars
- Register now for the webinar on Strengthening Supply Chain Integrity to be held on 22 September 2026
- Mark 29 October 2026 in your calendars to attend the webinar on Addressing Environmental Crime
🔔 The next edition of Customs Matters will be available in September 🔔
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Borders divide, Customs connects.