Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 23.09.2025

Welcome to the World Customs Organization Explosive Precursors (WCO EP) App! This Privacy Policy explains how the World Customs Organization Programme Global Shield (PGS) ("WCO," "PGS," "we," "us," "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application ("App") designed for customs officers and explosive precursor experts worldwide.

By using the WCO EP App, you consent to the collection and use of your information as outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the App.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect the following types of personal information from you:

• Account Information: Name, professional email address, mobile phone number, customs authority affiliation, country/region, and professional credentials
• Report Data: Incident reports, chemical identification information (HS codes, CAS codes, UN codes), narratives, photos, videos, and location data related to investigations
• Communication Data: Messages exchanged with WCO/PGS team, accredited experts, Customs Lab experts, and other law enforcement experts; support requests; consultation records
• Profile Information: Expertise areas, professional experience, and regional specialization

Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect information about your device and usage of the App, including:

• Device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers
• IP address, network information, and app version details
• Usage patterns, search queries, scan results, and feature interactions
• Performance metrics, crash logs, and diagnostic data
• Location information (when explicitly permitted by the user)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide App Services: identification, database searches, report creation, and expert consultation
• Facilitate Communication: connect customs officers with experts
• For Security: verify identity and prevent fraud
• Improve Services: fix technical issues, develop features
• Legal Compliance: meet regulations and support investigations

Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• WCO Members: : With WCO member administrations for legitimate security and operational purposes
• Expert Network (WCO/PGS team, WCO/PGS accredited experts, Customs Lab experts and special appointed law enforcement subject matter experts from other agencies or organizations): profile information within expert consultation network (with user consent)
• Service Providers: With vetted third-party providers for cloud hosting, analytics, and technical support under the data protection agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or to protect safety and security
• International Cooperation: For legitimate customs/police (or other law enforcement) cooperation and cross-border investigations

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction through:

• Role-based access controls
• Regular security assessments and monitoring
• Secure mobile app development practices

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected.

Your Rights

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, including:

• Access : Request information about data we process about you
• Correction : Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion : Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Portability : Receive your data in a structured format
• Objection : Object to certain processing activities
• Restriction : Limit how we process your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at dpo@wcoomd.org or use in-app tools.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your country where data protection laws may differ. We ensure adequate protection through:

• Standard Contractual Clauses and adequacy decisions
• Binding corporate rules and user consent
• Appropriate safeguards for cross-border customs cooperation

By using the App, you consent to such transfers for legitimate WCO operational purposes.

Children's Privacy

The WCO EP App is designed for professional use by customs officers and experts. The App is not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that a child has provided personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.

Third-Party Services

The App may integrate with third-party services for analytics, cloud storage, and notification features. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party services, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies. All third-party processors must provide adequate privacy protection guarantees.

Cookie and Tracking Technologies

We use essential technologies for app functionality and optional analytics (with user consent) to improve app performance. We do not use advertising tracking technologies. Users can opt-out of analytics in app settings.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• In-app notifications
• Email alerts to registered users
• Updated policy posted on wcoomd.org

Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

World Customs Organization
Email: dpo@wcoomd.org
Address: Rue du Marché 30, B-1210 Brussels, Belgium
Website: www.wcoomd.org

Dispute Resolution

Any dispute between the Parties regarding this Privacy Policy shall be settled in accordance with the procedure laid down in Part I of Customs Co-operation Council Decision 331 (available for consultation at View Decision 331 (PDF) )

Compliance Statement

This Privacy Policy meets the requirements of:

• Google Play Store Data Safety requirements
• Apple App Store Privacy Guidelines
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

By using the WCO EP App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.