IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
27 September 2019  
(19-6235)  Page: 1/8 
Council for Trade -Related Aspects  of 
Intellectual Property Rights  Original: English  
 
TECHNICAL COOPERATIO N ACTIVITIES: INFORM ATION FROM  
OTHER INTERGOVERNMEN TAL ORGANIZATIONS  
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANI ZATION (WCO)  
Addendum  
At its meeting of 6 June 2019, the Council for TRIPS agreed to invite intergovernmental 
organization observers to the Council to update the information on their technical and financial 
cooperation programmes relating to the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement.  
 
The present document reproduces the information which has been received from the 
World  Custom s Organization (WCO) by means of a communication dated 25 September 2019 . 
 
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INTRODUCTION  
1  OVERVIEW OF WORLD CU STOMS ORGANIZATION ( WCO) ACTIVITIES AND TOOLS OF 
RELEVANCE TO THE TRI PS AGREEMENT  
1.  The intellectual property rights (IPR ), Health and Safety Programme of the WCO maintains its 
resolve to protect consumer health and safety, and continues to combat counterfeiting and piracy 
through a variety of activities described in the following paragraphs. The WCO experience in this 
field is in line with the other international organisations working in the field of IPR enforcement. 
There seems to be a shift of the modus operandi towards the use of small consignments thus 
reducing the numbers of large seizures, but there does not seem to be  any significant fall in the 
number of counterfeits traded globally. The WCO's main activity is to raise awareness about 
Customs work in this area either towards other international organisations or by promoting 
capacity building activities for our member Administrations. The capacity building consists of two 
factors; training through workshops and education and training through operational activities. A 
list of the WCO activities is attached in the Annex I.  
1.1  Operations  
2.  The WCO  organizes simultaneous enforcement activities with multiple Customs administrations. 
These operations are aimed at knowing the scale of global counterfeiting whilst providing 
participating Customs officers with hands -on experience. Operations, which quant ify and qualify 
the impact of counterfeit activities, can also serve as an excellent opportunity to strengthen 
Customs ' enforcement capacity. Participating Members are able to learn about practical border 
enforcement measures through our Accredited Experts  and gain hands -on experience using WCO 
tools, such as CENcomm.  
3.  Between October 2018 and September 2019, the WCO, in partnership with Interpol and 
Europol and health authorities, co -organise d a large -scale operation, the global operation PANGEA 
against ph armaceutical products sold online. Last year 's 11th operation was held in October 2018, 
involving police, customs and health regulatory authorities from a record 116 countries. Operation 
Pangea XI results in 859 arrests worldwide and the seizure of USD 14 million worth of potentially 
dangerous pharmaceuticals.  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
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  4.  The impact of such a substantial level of interventions around the world sends a strong 
message both to offenders and the general public.  
1.2  National/ Regional seminars  
5.  The WCO delivers extensive capacit y building activities, mainly in the form of legislative 
training, document targeting training and product identification training, with private sector 
cooperation s. But the organisation also performs diagnostic missions. In the diagnostic missions, 
WCO ex perts visit the country and assess the Customs administrations capabilities in the domain 
of fighting counterfeits. The evaluation includes both the legal base and practical and procedural 
arrangements, and leads to a recommendation from WCO. Between Octob er 2018 and 
September  2019, the WCO conducted several training seminars/workshops for officers from a 
number of WCO Member administrations.  
1.3  Counterfeit and Piracy Group (CAP) meeting  
6.  The annual WCO Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group meeting provides a f orum for Customs 
and related law enforcement agencies to exchange information, experiences and best practices on 
combating counterfeiting and piracy. At its 16th Meeting from 30 September to 1 October 2019, 
Members explored the challenges posed by the Inte rnet and cyber investigations, e -commerce and 
small consignments but also food and plant varieties were discussed. During this meeting, 
Members also shared their experiences and exchanged practices on fighting counterfeits.  
1.4  E-learning module (CLiCK)  
7.  By usi ng the WCO 's internet -based e -learning module "CLiCK ", Customs officers can acquire 
practical knowledge on border enforcement related to IPR. They can train themselves on 
intellectual  property (IP) agreements, such as the TRIPS Agreement, and on practical,  risk-based 
document targeting.  
 
 
 
 
  
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
- 3 - ANNEX1 
Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  12 November 2018 - 16 November 2018  
Beneficiary country or countries  Lao People's Democratic Republic  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  The Lao People's Democratic Republic Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and  selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2018/november/wco -supports -lao-customs -to-
strengthen -its-ipr-border -enforceme nt.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē. Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement) The World 
Customs Organization (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  26 November 2018 - 30 November 2018  
Beneficiary country or countries  Myanmar  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Myanmar Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selectio n of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2018/december/wco -supports -myanmar -customs -to-
strengthen -its-ipr-border -enforcement.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē. Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforc ement) The World 
Customs Organization (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
                                                
1 In English only .  
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
- 4 -  
Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  4 December 2018 - 7 December 2018  
Beneficiary country or countries  Cambodia  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Cambodia Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exe rcises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/20 18/december/wco -national -workshop -for-cambodia -
customs -on-border -enforcement -of-intellectual -property -rights.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The 
World C ustoms Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  28 January 2019 - 1 February 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Ghana  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Ghana Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization in collaborate with Swiss IP office  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effect ive Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/february/the -wco-organized -a-national -ipr-
workshop -for-ghanaian -customs -in-accra.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The 
World Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
  
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
- 5 - Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  1 April 2019 - 5 April 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Bahamas  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Bahamas Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropri ate targeting and selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/may/bahamas -customs -and-excise -department -
enhances -skillset -to-combat -counterfeiting.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Complia nce and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The 
World Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
Name of programme or project  Sub-Regional Workshop  
Date and end date  25 April 2019 - 26 April 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Costa Rica; Cuba; El Salvador; Honduras; Panama  
Brief description  Sub-Regional Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Each Customs Administrations(Panama, Cuba, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica)  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  In collaboration with WIPO, Sub -regional workshop was held in Panama. Participants were trained to 
improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management techniques, identifying risk 
indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selection of  suspicious air cargoes/shipments, and 
performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē. Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The World 
Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
  
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
- 6 - Name of programme or project  Benchmark Study  
Date and end date  7 May 2019 - 10 May 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Burundi; Kenya; Rwanda; Tanzania; Uganda  
Brief description  The WCO/JICA(Japan International Cooperation Agency) Joint Project  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Each Customs Administrations(Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda)  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Through the ben chmarking study, the participants identified a number of useful good practices and 
recommendations by Thai and Japan Customs that they will take back to their home administrations in 
order to further enhance their border control functions on IPR infringing  goods.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/may/east -african -customs -participates -in-
benchmarking -study -on-ipr-border -control -in-thailand -and-japan.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The World 
Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
Name of programme or project  Benchmark Study  
Date and end date  13 May 2019 - 16 May 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Burundi; Kenya; Rwanda; Tanzania; Uganda  
Brief description  The WCO/JICA(Japan International Cooperation Agency) Joint Project  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Each Customs Administrations  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Administration  
Outputs or impact  Through the benchmarking study, the participants identified a number of useful good practices a nd 
recommendations by Thai and Japan Customs that they will take back to their home administrations in 
order to further enhance their border control functions on IPR infringing goods.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/may/east -african -customs -participates -in-
benchmarking -study -on-ipr-border -control-in-thailand -and-japan.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The World 
Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
  
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
- 7 - Name of programme or project  Accreditation Workshop  
Date and end date  27 May 2019 - 31 May 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Australia; Hong Kong, China; India; Iran; Japan; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Myanmar; 
Pakistan; Sri Lanka; Viet Nam  
Brief description  Accreditation  Workshop for Technical Operational Advisers on Intellectual Property Rights for the 
Asia/Pacific(A/P)region  
Beneficiary institution or audience   
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  The accreditation of TOAs comprises two phases, the first being a workshop to identify participants 
with high potential and the second being field missions to finally assess participants’ ability to facilitate 
capacity building activities in these specific  domains. Only participants having successfully completed 
the workshop phase can proceed to the field mission phase. Once fully accredited, they are expected 
to facilitate IPR -related missions and offer practical advice to Member countries wishing to stren gthen 
their IPR border measures.  During the five -day intensive Workshop, participants demonstrated their 
IPR knowledge and skills through a number of exercises, including presentations, discussions and role -
plays.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/june/accreditation -workshop -on-ipr-for-the-asia-
pacific -region.aspx   
Contact point for fu rther information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The 
World Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  17 June 2019 - 21 June 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Senegal  
Brief description  National Workshop on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Senegal Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by applying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and  performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē.  Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The 
World Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)   
  IP/C/W/654/Add.2  
 
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Name of programme or project  National Workshop  
Date and end date  26 June 2019 - 28 June 2019  
Beneficiary country or countries  Armenia  
Brief description  National Workshop in Cooperation with the State Revenue Committee of Republic of Armenia  
Beneficiary institution or audience  Armenia Customs Administration  
Technical cooperation provider(s)  The World Customs Organization  
Outputs or impact  Participants were trained to improve effective Customs controls by app lying risk management 
techniques, identifying risk indicators and focusing on appropriate targeting and selection of suspicious 
air cargoes/shipments, and performing various types of exercises.  
Website for further information  http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2019/july/national -ipr-seminar -on-combating -
counterfeiting -and-piracy -health-and-safety -republic -of-armenia.aspx   
Contact point for further information  Mr. Yusuke INOUE Technical Attachē. Compliance and Facilitation Directorate(Enforcement)  The World 
Customs Organization  (yusuke.inoue@wcoomd.org)  
 
 
 
  
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