ACTIONS TO COMBAT ILLICIT TRADE

Table of Contents

• Action 1: Upgrade the policy and regulatory environment
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• 1.1 Develop a national-level anti-illicit trade strategy
• 1.5.1 Develop taxation policies that disincentivize illicit trade
• 1.2 Become party to and fully implement all illicit trade-related treaties
• 1.3 Ensure appropriate sanctions for illicit trade activities
• 1.4 Keep consumers away from illicit goods
• 1.5 Rationalize the tax environment
• 1.6 Strengthen the intellectual property rights (IPRs) normative framework
• 1.7 Strengthen regulations in maritime transport
• 1.8 Collect and process data on illicit trade figures, dynamics, and trends
• 1.9 Develop education policies and awareness-raising tools
• Action 2: Enhance capabilities to detect and disrupt illicit trade
• Action 3: Secure the online space
• Action 4: Addressing enabling criminal activity

Action 1: Upgrade the policy and regulatory environment

Illicit trade mitigation efforts require adopting or strengthening regulatory measures scattered across a country’s normative frameworks. Governments should evaluate and harmonize these measures to mitigate illicit trade, crafting connecting provisions where appropriate.

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1.1 Develop a national-level anti-illicit trade strategy

The strategy should integrate the best available research and analysis from stakeholders, identify primary forms of illicit trade, streamline regulatory systems, and establish an adequate sanctions regime.

1.5.1 Develop taxation policies that disincentivize illicit trade

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1.2 Become party to and fully implement all illicit trade-related treaties

Governments should join key treaties, such as the 1970 Convention on Cultural Property, 1973 CITES, 1988 UN Drug Convention, 2000 UN Convention Against Organized Crime, and 2012 Tobacco Protocol.

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Action 2: Enhance capabilities to detect and disrupt illicit trade

Strengthening the capabilities of customs, police, and regulatory agencies is key to combating illicit goods. Customs agencies should serve as gatekeepers at entry points, using intelligence-based risk management, data sharing, and cross-border cooperation.

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Action 3: Secure the online space

A strong digital environment enhances transparency, accountability, and traceability, making it more difficult for illicit traders to operate undetected.

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Action 4: Addressing enabling criminal activity

Corruption, money laundering, and forced labor are often integral parts of illicit trade schemes. Tackling these issues reduces illicit trade by disrupting enablers, from border corruption to forced labor abuses in supply chains.

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