On 23 June 2026, the World Customs Organization (WCO) secretary general (SG) undertook his first official visit to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium, accompanied by officials from Belgian Customs. It was an opportunity to see firsthand advanced technology, intelligence-led operations and risk management techniques at one of Europe’s major hubs. Presentations on the port’s daily operations also reflected the WCO’s theme of the year, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment.”
According to the WCO, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges plays a strategic role in European and global supply chains, serving as a major gateway for containerised cargo and a critical node for trade facilitation and supply chain security. The visit provided the SG with an opportunity to observe Customs operations in Antwerp and better understand how WCO standards are applied in a complex, high-volume trade environment.
Adapting to an evolving threat landscape
During the visit, the SG was briefed on measures to combat illicit trafficking, enhance cargo screening, and Belgium Customs’ approach to coordination among Customs, law enforcement and port authorities. The SG also had the opportunity to view firsthand the deployment of cargo screening technology in use at the port and to speak with Customs officers about the daily challenges of trade facilitation and enforcement in Antwerp.
Speaking at the end of the visit, the SG said, “I really appreciate the opportunity to visit the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, to interact and to learn more from my Belgian Customs colleagues as they manage one of the most significant seaports for entry into the European market. This is an important location from an enforcement perspective, and it’s been an opportunity to see Customs in action, exercising its vigilance and commitment to protect the market from dangerous goods of all types, including illegal narcotics. It’s an opportunity to really get grounded in this year’s theme, in advance of the Council sessions.”
Customs cooperation in combating organised crime
As one of Europe’s largest gateways for international trade, Antwerp illustrates the full scope of the WCO mission. Operations such as DEMETER (illicit waste prevention) and THUNDER (illegal wildlife smuggling) demonstrate the tangible value of multilateral cooperation in combating environmental crime, illicit trafficking and other cross-border threats. Antwerp serves as a powerful example of how coordinated international action delivers concrete results for society. The visit, led by Belgian Customs, allowed the SG to engage with officials on these points and to express the WCO’s support and gratitude to Belgian Customs.
The DG of the Belgian General Administration of Customs said, “For Belgian Customs, SG’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate firsthand the operational challenges we face every day, including the need for access to advanced technologies and the significant pressure that combating illicit narcotics trafficking places on our organisation. We hope that the insights gained during this visit will help raise awareness of these challenges within the WCO community and contribute to further strengthening international cooperation and support in addressing them.”
Next Steps
Belgium Customs will be among the 187 WCO members attending the WCO Council sessions at the end of June in Brussels, Belgium.