In response to growing environmental concerns in global trade, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has implemented its Regional Risk Indicators Development Project, targeting enhanced compliance with international environmental agreements. The initiative focuses particularly on the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) regions.
WCO: The Environmental Guardian of International Trade
As the global authority on customs matters, WCO plays a pivotal role in facilitating legitimate trade while combating illicit activities. The organization has increasingly incorporated environmental protection into its mandate, recognizing customs authorities' frontline position in intercepting non-compliant shipments.
EAC and SADC: Pilot Regions for Environmental Compliance
The WCO conducted two sub-regional workshops in August 2022 - in Kampala, Uganda and Lusaka, Zambia - as part of its Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Project for Sub-Saharan Africa. Funded by the Swedish government, the project aims to balance trade facilitation with environmental protection.
These regions face specific environmental challenges including illegal transboundary movements of hazardous waste and unauthorized trade in ozone-depleting substances. The workshops served as practical testing grounds for developing effective environmental risk management frameworks.
Strengthening Customs-Environmental Agency Collaboration
The intensive four-day workshops emphasized customs' critical role in enforcing the Basel Convention on hazardous waste and the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances. Participants explored enhanced cooperation mechanisms between customs administrations and environmental agencies, focusing on information sharing and joint operational strategies.
Developing Practical Risk Indicators
WCO experts worked with participants to identify key risk indicators based on multiple factors:
- Documentation anomalies in shipping paperwork
- Historical compliance records of importers/exporters
- High-risk transportation routes and methods
- Characteristics of regulated substances and waste materials
- Discrepancies in declared versus actual shipment contents
These indicators enable customs officials to better target inspections and intercept non-compliant shipments while facilitating legitimate trade.
Capacity Building for 33 Officials
The workshops trained 33 officials from customs and environmental agencies across EAC and SADC member states. Participants developed draft risk indicator frameworks for implementing Basel and Montreal Protocol regulations, with knowledge transfer expected to strengthen regional enforcement capabilities.
Ongoing Technical Support Through TFCM Project
The Sida-WCO TFCM project continues to provide technical assistance to both regions, addressing trade-related environmental challenges while implementing WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement provisions. This long-term engagement aims to establish sustainable environmental trade compliance systems.
Implications for Global Trade Compliance
WCO's initiative presents both challenges and opportunities for international traders:
- Reduced shipment delays through clearer compliance standards
- Enhanced ability to meet environmental regulations
- Improved customs processing efficiency
- Strengthened corporate sustainability credentials
The project represents a growing global trend toward integrating environmental protection with trade facilitation, with potential for expansion to other regions following successful implementation in Africa.