Fourteen representatives from six WCO Member administrations completed the first Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Expert Trainer Accreditation Workshop conducted in the Russian language, held at the WCO headquarters, Brussels from 17 to 26 October, 2017. During two weeks, representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Ukraine actively participated in the train-the-trainer workshop and engaged with facilitators to acquire the subject matter expertise and communication skills to conduct training courses based on the WCO’s STCE training curriculum. The curriculum contains high-level briefings for senior managers on strengthening national STCE efforts and modules for operational personnel covering Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) topics and related dual use materials and equipment. Participants also received supplementary training on the application of risk management and post-clearance audits in the context of strategic trade control.

This workshop marked the 9^th session in the WCO’s effort to develop a strong roster of accredited expert trainers in the STCE topic. In total, 170 representatives from 60 countries have been trained since the program began last year. Participants who demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge during the workshops will be able to complete their accreditation as WCO “STCE Expert Trainers” by conducting an in-field training mission as a co-trainer delivering the WCO’s STCE curriculum. The WCO  has accredited  23 STCE expert trainers, who along with WCO staff, will support the WCO’s strategy to assist its Members’ efforts in preventing illicit trafficking of in goods related to weapons of mass destruction and fulfillment commitments arising from UN Security Council Resolutions such as UNSCR 1540 and others.

Future events are planned both in Brussels and across the WCO regions under the framework of its STCE Programme. For additional information please contact James.McColm@wcoomd.org.