WCO Multi-Layered Security Protocol: A Means To Curb Influx Of Small Arms, Drugs And Hazardous Waste

The recent seizure of the container laden with 661 pump action rifles at Apapa port, has raised too many issues and reechoed the need to reverse the influx of weapon of mass destruction such as small arms, drugs, hazardous waste and unwholesome goods, etc. by the implementation of Global Multi-Layered Security Protocol of (WCO) safe frame work of standard to secure and facilitate global trade on import and export process.

The present Inspection process contravenes the global Multi-Layered Security protocol the WCO SAFE Framework that was adopted by World Customs Organization (WCO) globally after the destruction ofthe twin tower of World Trade Centre in America on September 11, 2001 by Al Qaeda , which clearly exposes the vulnerability of international trade  to terrorist exploitation on cross-border transportation security, which became priority mission globally to protect each nations domestic environment from illicit Cross-Border Movement of unwholesome goods and terrorist attack.

The advent of September 11TH 2001(9/11) introduced wide-ranging security strategy considered more effective in protecting against perceived external security threats that sparked of the resolution by the Customs  Cooperation Council (WCO) on Security and Facilitation of the International supply chain,

WCO resolution reflects the need to pursue measures that  internationally improve  the supply chain security on the  basic concept on container security, which set up new set of protocols on Cargo security called the WCO SAFE Framework of Standard to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade,  which rest on two pillars;

a.Customs- To- Customs Network Arrangements

1. Customs- To- Business Partnerships

The two pillars involves set of standards drawn from the existing World Customs Organization (WCO) Security and facilitation measure consolidated to guarantee rapid international implementation, which is based on the following four (4) core elements:

(a)    To harmonized the Advance Electronic Cargo Information requirements on inbound, outbound and Transit shipments

(b)   Commits to employing a consistent risk management approach to address security threats

(c)    Requires that receiving nation, based upon a comparable risk targeting methodology, the nation’s Customs administration will perform an outbound inspection of high-risk Cargo and/ or transport conveyance, preferred using non-intrusive detection equipment such as large-Scale X-ray machines and radiation detectors.

(d)   SAFE Framework benefit that Customs will provide to business that meet minimal supply chain security standards and best practice.

The benefits in implementing the WCO safe framework of standard to secure and facilitate global trade include:

-Ensuring in the securing of trade against the threat of global terrorism

-It supports economic and social protection through the process

-It encourages the establishment of co-operative arrangements between Customs and other government agencies.

-Reduce the influx of unwholesome items

-Reduce the influx of small arms, ammunition etc

-It encourages the establishment of Customs-Customs network arrangement to promote seamless movement of goods through international secured international trade supply chain.