From counterfeit goods and wildlife trafficking to tobacco smuggling and the trade in illegal drugs, illicit trade threatens environmental protection, public health, and economic fairness. The rise in fentanyl smuggling, in particular, has had devastating consequences for health systems and communities worldwide. Criminal actors constantly adapt their methods, taking advantage of digital platforms, weak enforcement zones, and geopolitical instability.
Illicit trade
Illicit trade refers to the illegal production, movement, and sale of goods and services, spanning activities such as the trade in counterfeit goods and cultural artefacts, smuggling, wildlife trafficking and illegal logging. These operations, often run by criminal networks, exploit global supply chains and trade infrastructure, undermining public safety, weakening institutions, eroding the rule of law, and reducing tax revenues. Illicit trade distorts markets, harms consumers, and presents a serious governance challenge that transcends borders and sectors. The OECD works with governments, international organisations, and private sector partners to map illicit trade risks, strengthen enforcement, and design policies that uphold the integrity of global trade.
