Imagine opening a shipment of "used electronics" from abroad, only to find it contains highly toxic e-waste or ozone-depleting substances that shouldn't exist on Earth. Such hazardous materials not only threaten the environment but pose direct risks to human health. To prevent these dangerous surprises, Mozambique's customs officials are undergoing specialized training to keep harmful substances out of the country.
WCO Partners With Environmental Agencies to Upgrade Mozambique's Customs Capabilities
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme's Ozone Action and the Basel Convention Secretariat, recently conducted an innovative workshop in Maputo, Mozambique. The event brought together officials from Mozambique's Tax Authority (AT) and Ministry of Land and Environment (MTA) to enhance their understanding of the Basel Convention and Montreal Protocol – essentially teaching customs personnel what materials to block and how to identify and handle prohibited items.
Funded by the Swedish government as part of the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Program for Sub-Saharan Africa, the three-day workshop highlighted customs' critical role in addressing climate change and promoting global environmental sustainability. The WCO works with international partners to ensure effective implementation of multilateral environmental agreements like the Basel Convention and Montreal Protocol.
Expert-Led Training Delivers Practical Knowledge
Specialists from the WCO, UNEP, and Basel Convention Secretariat led interactive discussions and demonstrations, covering key areas where customs and environmental agencies must collaborate to control cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances regulated by both agreements. The training combined theoretical knowledge with real-world case studies to enhance participants' practical skills.
The curriculum focused on three main areas:
- The Basel Convention: This agreement controls transboundary movements of hazardous waste, particularly to developing countries. Training helped customs officers identify dangerous waste, understand its risks, and learn proper handling methods.
- The Montreal Protocol: Designed to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) to protect Earth's ozone layer, the training taught officials to recognize ODS, comprehend their environmental impact, and prevent illegal trade.
- Enforcement Cooperation: The program emphasized collaboration between customs and environmental agencies for effective agreement implementation, sharing success stories and encouraging stronger interdepartmental relationships.
Training Yields Strong Results, Boosts Collaboration
Twenty-eight representatives from Mozambique's Tax Authority and Ministry of Land and Environment participated. The workshop deepened their understanding of policies, trends, and enforcement controls related to both agreements. More importantly, it strengthened commitment between the tax and environmental agencies for better border cooperation.
This enhanced capability means Mozambique's border checkpoints will be better equipped to identify concealed hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances, preventing their entry and significantly improving national environmental protection and public health safeguards.
The Sida-WCO TFCM Program: Driving Environmental Protection
The Sida-WCO TFCM Program collaborates with the WCO Environment Programme and international environmental organizations to provide technical assistance to customs administrations in parts of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) regions. The initiative addresses trade-related environmental impacts while implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement – essentially helping developing nations balance trade promotion with environmental protection.
Why Customs Plays a Vital Environmental Role
While customs agencies are traditionally associated with taxation and goods inspection, their environmental protection function proves equally crucial for three reasons:
- First Line of Defense: As primary border controllers, customs can effectively block illegal trade in hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances.
- Enforcement Capacity: Customs' strong enforcement powers allow penalties that deter violations.
- Information Sharing: Agencies can exchange intelligence with foreign counterparts to combat cross-border environmental crimes.
Strengthening customs' environmental capabilities through initiatives like the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM programs helps developing nations better fulfill these critical responsibilities.
Understanding the Basel Convention and Montreal Protocol
To fully appreciate Mozambique's customs training, deeper examination of both agreements proves valuable.
The Basel Convention on Controlling Hazardous Waste: Adopted in 1989 and effective from 1992, this agreement primarily seeks to:
- Reduce hazardous waste generation through national measures
- Ensure environmentally sound waste management and disposal
- Control transboundary movements, particularly to developing nations
The Convention requires exporting countries to notify and obtain written consent from importers while guaranteeing safe transportation and disposal methods.
The Montreal Protocol on Protecting the Ozone Layer: Effective from 1989 after its 1987 adoption, this agreement aims to:
- Phase out production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like CFCs, halons, and carbon tetrachloride
- Control ODS trade to prevent illegal trafficking
- Develop environmentally friendly alternatives
The Protocol mandates developed nations to lead ODS phase-out while granting developing countries transition periods. Current data shows significant success, with the ozone layer gradually recovering.
Customs' Critical Enforcement Role
As border guardians, customs agencies perform essential functions for both agreements:
- Inspecting shipments for hazardous waste or ODS
- Blocking illegal trade activities
- Collecting trade intelligence for policy decisions
- Cooperating with environmental, maritime and other agencies to combat transnational environmental crimes
Specialized training like Mozambique's program equips customs personnel with necessary knowledge and skills, with the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM initiative supporting developing nations in this capacity-building effort.