// ECONOMIC SECURITY: TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Global supply chains underpin economic resilience, yet remain vulnerable to disruption, illicit activity and systemic complexity. Effective customs systems are central to managing these risks, ensuring that security and efficiency reinforce global trade Securing the supply chains that sustain us: the strategic role of customs
For many years, customs has understood that secure supply chains are foundational to successful international trade. Customs exists in part to ensure that distinctions are made between what should move across borders and what should not. Its procedures and information requirements are designed to create greater visibility of what is in supply chains and to identify risks so that legitimate commerce can flow unimpeded. This work by customs contributes to our being able to take for granted certain levels of variety and goods available to consumers, and certain levels of efficiency and cost effectiveness for the private sector. TRADE, SECURITY AND TRUST: THE VITAL ROLE OF CUSTOMS Effective, efficient and modern customs is necessary for the proper functioning of international supply chains. In a time of increasing trade volumes, growing trade complexity and vulnerability to sophisticated parties seeking to misuse supply chains, customs’ efforts are more
important than ever. Customs fights the infiltration of supply chains by dangerous items including drugs and weapons, works to foil opportunities for tampering with commodities and uses its information to understand risks to the system – so that interventions can be targeted and useful. The confidence in the system that is bolstered by these actions is customs’ contribution to security and economic prosperity. This is an idea captured in the World Customs Organization’s theme this year: customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment. To fulfil its mission in today’s demanding and dynamic trade environment, customs relies on modern processes, technology, electronic data, sound analytical capabilities, well-trained staff and alliances with others interested in supply chain integrity. This list coincides with what the WCO helps its 187 members to achieve. The WCO defines standards for processes, data and supporting
Ian Saunders, secretary-general, World Customs Organization
E fficient and well-functioning international supply chains are something most of us take for granted. The diversity of goods available in many markets, access to lower prices and the economic strength that results from jobs created by export-leaning companies have become a broadening feature of modernity. We have, however, had recent experiences that remind us that these movements of goods are not guaranteed. The Covid-19 pandemic and localised conflicts likely immediately come to mind as reasons for supply chain disruption, and provide a clear view of the negative economic effects that result. I suggest, however, that although these things are fresh in memory, they do not indicate the full range of challenges to the effective functioning of global supply chains.
48 // G7 FRANCE: THE ÉVIAN SUMMIT 2026
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