On 6 and 7 October 2022, the WCO welcomed Members to the 18th Global Information and Intelligence Strategy Project Group (GIIS), both in person at the WCO headquarters and on-line via the Zoom platform. The Meeting counted a record participation of around 100 participants from 40 countries worldwide.

Following a first document-based phase held from 15 to 28 September, the Meeting kicked-off with several opening remarks, notably from the Director of Compliance and Facilitation, and the newly elected Chair of the GIIS, Ms Gabrielle Tramby from Australia welcoming participants and eager to delve into the many items included in the proposed agenda.

In his opening remarks, Director Das stressed how important it was “for the GIIS Project Group to play a pivotal role as a communication hub for the exchange of latest and most advanced practices in Customs Risk Management”. He then noted that “innovation is key to the GIIS Project Group’s success, and it is important to continuously update its portfolio, tools and instruments, as these are expected to provide insight on how to address new challenges by further enhancing Members’ risk management systems.”

The 18th GIIS Meeting focused on three main topics. The first consisted of the revision and updating of the Risk Management Compendium, more specifically on five previously identified risk areas and supported by as many expert drafting sub-groups. The second dealt with Electronic Crime, a topic which now falls under the GIIS project group’s lead as approved by the 41st session of the Enforcement Committee. Finally, the Meeting explored the need for Enhanced Information Gathering and Sharing through Mutual Administrative Assistance by providing an overview of current efforts and the way forward.

Each topic included progress reports presented by the Secretariat as well as detailed and technical expert Member presentations offering Members further understanding of these growing challenges.

In her closing remarks, the Chair praised the group “for embracing the expansion of the group to include all WCO Members and of its remit which now covers new threats to our borders.” The Chair also made special mention to those Members who progressed the work-program intersessionally, and “encouraged all Members to continue this good work in light of when we meet again early in the new year.”

The 19th GIIS meeting is scheduled to place 16 and 17 February 2023.