Strengthening Frontlines: Customs SOPs Underway in the Western Balkans

As part of ongoing efforts to support control of small arms and light weapons, SEESAC has continued its work with customs administrations across the Western Balkans to support the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs). Based on the findings of the national assessments of capacities of Customs Administrations in the region to counter illicit firearms flows, conducted in 2024, dedicated workshops have been held in Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania in 2025, with further engagements planned as part of a comprehensive  process throughout the region.

To support development of the SOPs, workshops addressed the identified gaps in the operational response to illicit arms trafficking, especially in detection, risk analysis and emergency situations. Through a series of structured, in-depth sessions, workshops supported participants in reviewing current practices and identifying ways to align them with international standards.

Together, customs officials and SEESAC mapped the full scope of SALW-related processes at border crossing points. This included a detailed analysis of targeting and risk assessment, detection and seizure procedures, evidence management, health and safety protocols, and the legal and regulatory frameworks in place.

Discussions also focused on inter-agency and international information exchange, as well as tailoring SOPs to cover all modes of transport - road, rail, air, maritime, cargo, and passenger.

Participants worked on creating practical and coherent SOP templates. They also outlined implementation strategies, including mechanisms for monitoring compliance and ensuring regular review and updates of the SOPs.

The workshops are part of SEESAC’s broader commitment to strengthening institutional capacities for preventing and countering illicit arms and explosives, carried out with the support of the European Union through Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3006.