Study Guide

The rapidly evolving cross-border e-commerce environment requires strengthening existing cooperation and partnerships, as well as forging new ones with emerging participants in the e-commerce supply chain, to address associated challenges in a coordinated and collaborative manner.

Cooperation between customs administrations and other relevant government agencies is particularly important for identifying and interdicting illicit or non-compliant goods moving through e-commerce channels. Access to timely and accurate information enables Customs to focus resources on the highest-risk shipments while facilitating the rapid release of low-risk consignments. This is increasingly supported through enhanced international cooperation and the establishment of mutual legal assistance arrangements that allow for joint enforcement initiatives, investigations, or prosecutions — especially when websites, platforms, or sellers operate outside a national jurisdiction.

Note When appropriate, customs administrations should also share relevant intelligence and data, with trusted e-commerce stakeholders to strengthen public–private sector targeting efforts. Effective collaboration with platforms, express carriers, postal operators, and payment service providers helps improve risk identification, disrupt illicit networks, and support compliant trade.