World Shipping Council welcomes launch of Singapore Red Flag Indicators to combat wildlife trafficking

The World Shipping Council (WSC) welcomes the launch of the Singapore‑specific Red Flag Indicators for Wildlife Trafficking in Containerised Sea Cargo, a practical new tool to strengthen vigilance and cooperation across the maritime supply chain.

Developed by National Parks Board (NParks), TRAFFIC and WWF, with input from the World Shipping Council, the Singapore Compendium builds on global guidance, including joint industry IWT guidelines developed by WSC and partners, while reflecting Singapore’s unique regulatory framework and role as one of the world’s busiest transhipment hubs. By setting out clear risk indicators, case examples and regulatory expectations, the Compendium supports shipping lines, shippers, freight forwarders and other supply‑chain actors in identifying and responding to potential wildlife trafficking risks.

Illegal wildlife trafficking is a serious transnational crime that threatens biodiversity, fuels organised criminal networks and undermines legitimate global trade. The World Shipping Council and its member companies are firmly opposed to the criminal abuse of maritime supply chains and have long supported effective, practical measures to prevent the movement of illegal wildlife and wildlife products by sea, including through public‑private collaboration, screening and reporting tools.

Commenting on the launch, Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, said: “The maritime industry has a critical role to play, working together with government, organisations and shippers to prevent our global supply chains from being exploited by wildlife traffickers. This Singapore‑specific Red Flag Compendium is a valuable, practical resource that helps translate global guidance into action on the ground. WSC is proud to have supported its development and we commend Singapore’s zero‑tolerance approach and strong public‑private cooperation in tackling illegal wildlife trafficking.”