Geneva, May 15, 2024 – As global trade continues to expand, balancing economic development with environmental protection has become a critical challenge. The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat are collaborating to establish a greener, more sustainable global trading system. Their shared vision: to attach an invisible "eco-label" to every cross-border commodity, ensuring each customs clearance contributes to planetary health.
This ambitious initiative builds upon long-standing cooperation between the two organizations. On May 8, 2019, during the BRS Conventions Conference of Parties (COPs) in Geneva, WCO representatives participated in a notable side event focusing on their collaboration with BRS in utilizing the Harmonized System (HS) to address environmental and social concerns. The meeting marked a significant step toward greening global trade and reaffirmed commitments to human health and environmental protection.
BRS Conventions: Safeguarding Health and Environment
The BRS Conventions represent a series of crucial multilateral environmental agreements designed to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and waste:
- Basel Convention: Officially titled "The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal," it regulates cross-border hazardous waste transfers, aiming to minimize generation and ensure environmentally sound management. The convention establishes strict control procedures requiring prior notification and consent between nations.
- Rotterdam Convention: "The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade" promotes safe chemical use by mandating advance notification and consent for specified hazardous substances, ensuring importing nations understand potential risks.
- Stockholm Convention: "The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)" targets the elimination or restriction of POPs—highly toxic, persistent chemicals that bioaccumulate and cause long-term harm. It lists prohibited substances and requires phased elimination measures.
The BRS Secretariat coordinates implementation, facilitates inter-party cooperation, and provides technical assistance to help developing nations meet convention obligations.
WCO: Leading Global Customs Governance
As an independent intergovernmental organization, WCO enhances customs administration efficiency through:
- International Standards: Developing comprehensive customs standards covering classification, valuation, origin rules, IP protection, security, and trade facilitation.
- Technical Assistance: Supporting developing economies in strengthening customs capabilities and combating smuggling.
- Global Cooperation: Facilitating information exchange and joint action against transnational crime.
- HS System Management: Maintaining the Harmonized System, the universal language for trade classification.
Recognizing customs' pivotal role in BRS implementation, WCO emphasizes border agencies' responsibility to monitor shipments and prevent illegal hazardous material flows.
HS Codes: Precision Tools for Trade Oversight
The Harmonized System provides standardized commodity classification through unique six-digit codes, serving multiple critical functions:
- Uniform product categorization for customs administration
- Tariff determination basis
- Trade data compilation
- Regulatory enforcement mechanism
By introducing specific HS codes for environmentally sensitive goods, WCO enables customs to effectively monitor and control cross-border movements of hazardous substances, establishing protective barriers for ecosystems and public health.
Strategic Implementation: Keys to Successful HS Amendments
WCO representatives outlined essential criteria for successful HS code additions:
- Clear product descriptions with precise specifications
- Comprehensive evidence demonstrating environmental/health threats
- Actionable border measure recommendations
- Distinct differentiation from existing classifications
These guidelines aim to enhance proposal effectiveness while encouraging broader participation from governments and organizations in refining the HS system.
Collaborative Future: Toward Sustainable Trade
Both organizations affirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation through:
- Enhanced information sharing mechanisms
- Joint training programs for customs personnel
- Standardized border control measures
- Public awareness initiatives
This partnership exemplifies global efforts to address environmental challenges through multilateral cooperation, signaling that sustainable development requires collective action across sectors and borders.
Vision: Greening Global Commerce
The Geneva meeting reinvigorated WCO-BRS collaboration, paving the way for more environmentally conscious trade practices. As businesses increasingly prioritize eco-friendly production and consumers favor sustainable goods, customs authorities will play an expanded role in:
- Strengthening hazardous material oversight
- Promoting efficient green clearance processes
- Facilitating stakeholder engagement
This evolving framework represents progress toward a trading system where every cross-border transaction supports environmental stewardship and sustainable development.