From 30 January to 1st February 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) organized the 31st Global Meeting of the Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILO) at its Headquarters in Brussels. RILO Heads from across the world gathered to discuss a wide range of topics including intelligence gathering, enforcement application management, and governance of the Global RILO Network.

This three-day meeting, attended by representatives from all twelve RILOs, held significant importance as it provided the first opportunity, following the termination of the Customs Enforcement Network’s Management Team Meeting in 2023, for the RILOs to address a broader agenda incorporating both RILO and CEN matters.

In response to an evolving governance landscape, aligning with the broader efforts requested by WCO Members, the meeting was committed to a comprehensive review of the RILO Recommendation document, discussed the necessary amendments to the Global RILO Meeting terms of reference, and explored avenues for assessing RILO performance.

In the realm of CEN matters, the meeting delved into application usage, advancements in CEN data visualization, evaluation of data quality initiatives under the WCO Charter of Data Quantity and Quality Enhancement in the CEN, and decided to launch a CEN Compendium showcasing interesting case studies based on CEN data to stimulate Members’ interest in data submission.

For the first time, the matters related to the Cargo Targeting System (CTS), now managed by the WCO CEN Programme, were also discussed. The meeting examined the evaluation report of the impact of CTS and the National Customs Enforcement Network (nCEN), exploring ways how these tools can be made interoperable in view of strengthening Customs enforcement capabilities.

Dedicated to the theme of 'Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,' the meeting also heard from cooperating organizations like the Universal Postal Union (UPU), who explored potential avenues for enhanced collaboration and synergies.

The 31st Global RILO Meeting underscored the commitment of Customs administrations worldwide to collaborate and share intelligence in order to more effectively address the scourge of illicit trade. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among Customs authorities, the meeting aimed to enhance the functioning of the global Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) and safeguard international trade.