In his opening remarks, ROCB Europe Director Antonio Lo Parco highlighted the importance of cooperation between the WCO and ROCB Europe in delivering capacity-building activities that respond to the needs of Customs administrations. Supporting this cooperation and connecting WCO expertise with regional priorities are among ROCB Europe’s core mandates.
The opening session also featured Mr Kanan Asadov, Chief of Administration of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Ms Kelly Wood, Political Officer at the Embassy of the United States in Azerbaijan. The training is being delivered by WCO experts Mr Adam Vas and Mr Burak Cihan Ürkmez.
The programme covers international legal frameworks and the role of Customs in enforcing strategic trade controls. Participants will develop their ability to identify strategic and dual-use goods, assess risks, and apply practical control measures. Sessions address chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear materials, dual-use equipment, weapons and military equipment, as well as risk assessment, profiling, targeting and post-clearance audit. Practical exercises include work with the Strategic Trade Atlas and commodity identification cards.
Effective strategic trade controls help prevent the illicit diversion of sensitive goods and contribute to the prevention of weapons of mass destruction proliferation, while supporting the movement of legitimate trade. By strengthening operational knowledge and regional cooperation, the training supports Customs administrations in carrying out this important responsibility.
