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 Europes major hubs. Presentations on the ports daily operations also reflected the WCOs 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
