A Critical Case Study on the Implementation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime – World Customs Organization Passenger and Cargo Control Programme and Its Role in Enhancing Customs Risk Management

This commentary critically examines the implementation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – World Customs Organization (WCO) Passenger and Cargo Control Programme (PCCP) in Cambodia, highlighting its contributions and limitations as a case study in customs modernisation. Drawing on Cambodia’s experience, the article identifies factors enabling success, such as targeted capacity building and international cooperation, while also addressing systemic challenges like data management, personnel turnover and sustainability. This analysis offers insights to inform similar initiatives in other developing country contexts and to contribute to the ongoing thinking, discussion and development of knowledge and practices on risk-based customs controls.