Developing cooperation and understanding between customs officers and border agencies

April 15, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Ambassador Alena Kupchyna Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats / OSCE

Efficient and Effective way to fight against Counterfeit and Piracy at Borders

Dr. Ashraf Samsudeen Senior Deputy Director of Customs / Sri Lanka Customs
Dragica Vucinic Border Management Officer, TNTD/BSMU / OSCE

Strengthening operational cooperation between the customs administrations in European seaports and smaller river ports

Jeroen Engelberts EUCAB Maritime Unit Leader / Customs Administration of The Netherlands

From Cooperation to Integration: The EUCAB Perspective on Strengthening EU External Border Security

Martin Reuter Head / EUCAB

Closing the Gaps: Enhancing Strategic Awareness and Managing Blind Spots in Customs Operations and Border Security

Tasiu Sanusi Saulawa Deputy Comptroller of Customs / Nigeria Customs Service

Cooperation and coordination between Border Management stakeholders: Joint operations in West Africa

Tony Mihaitoaia Senior Adviser, Border Management and Security / ICMPD, Romania

Developing cooperation and understanding between customs officers and border agencies is vital for effective border management and security. Agencies need to exchange intelligence regarding potential threats, smuggling activities, and other suspicious behaviours. This includes sharing data on cargo, travellers, and vehicles.
Joint training, operations and inspections will improve effectiveness and working together on risk assessments, to identify high-risk shipments and travellers, will allow for targeted inspections and resource allocation. Identifying key dual-purpose technologies for tracking and monitoring goods and people will enhance efficiency and save money.
Collaborating on policy development will also lead to more effective border management strategies, considering both security needs and trade facilitation.