Following the conclusion of the operational part of Operation Cosmo 2, STCE trainings return to Latin America in full swing to support the development of STCE capacities of countries in the region. 

The WCO Security Programme conducted a national Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) training workshop in Santiago, Chile from 3 to 6 September 2018.

National trainings, such as the event recently conducted in Chile, support Customs administrations to comply with non-proliferation obligations set forth by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). At trainings, frontline staff are assisted to identify weapons of mass destruction, their constituent parts, means of delivery and dual-use materials and items needed to manufacture them.

Participants came from a variety of customs environments, including land borders, ports, and airports. The training introduced them to the concept of STCE and covered controlled materials and equipment and how to identify them.

Following the training, an orientation meeting took place where senior managers (enforcement, classification, laboratory) demonstrated and reiterated their commitment and full support for their strategic trade control at Chilean Customs. After the briefing, WCO visited the well-equipped and expanding customs laboratory of Chilean Customs.

To find out about hosting a national STCE workshop, please contact Adam Vas, STCE Programme Coordinator (Adam.Vas@wcoomd.org ).