Mountains of plastic waste accumulating in ports not only erode the environment but also test customs authorities' regulatory capabilities. As illegal cross-border trade in plastic waste becomes increasingly severe, how can Asia-Pacific customs departments break through this challenge? The World Customs Organization (WCO) has taken action, delivering a tailored "upgrade package" to strengthen regional capabilities.
WCO's Strategic Response to Plastic Waste Challenges
Recognizing the difficulties Asia-Pacific customs face in combating illegal plastic waste trade, the WCO deployed a team of experts from its Compliance and Facilitation Directorate in January 2021. The specialists conducted two "virtual diagnostic missions" with Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (January 11-15) and the Philippines Bureau of Customs (January 18-22).
These missions form the core of the "Asia-Pacific Border Management of Waste Project," which aims to:
- Improve handling of legally imported plastic waste while preventing environmental harm
- Combat threats from illegal plastic waste shipments
- Promote understanding of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments, which took effect January 1, 2021, imposing stricter controls on cross-border plastic waste movement
Customized Approach: Diagnosis and Solutions
The WCO's comprehensive program follows a carefully designed process:
1. Self-Assessment: Indonesian and Philippine customs authorities completed detailed diagnostic questionnaires covering all aspects of waste management, including strategic direction, legal requirements, operational procedures, enforcement capabilities, and supporting policies.
2. Expert Analysis: WCO specialists engaged in thorough discussions with both customs administrations to evaluate self-assessment results and provide targeted recommendations.
3. Tailored Implementation Plans: Based on findings, the WCO developed customized action plans with specific improvement measures adapted to each country's circumstances.
Comprehensive Capacity Building
The program addresses both strategic and operational levels across key areas:
- Developing clear plastic waste management strategies
- Enhancing understanding of domestic and international regulations
- Optimizing customs procedures to balance efficiency with effective oversight
- Improving enforcement skills including risk assessment, cargo inspection, and evidence collection
- Advocating for supportive government policies
- Conducting specialized training programs
Regional Cooperation for Collective Action
Beyond country-specific programs, the WCO plans a regional workshop in 2021 focusing on:
- Developing coordinated regional strategies
- Establishing standardized training frameworks
- Enhancing cross-border enforcement cooperation
The Basel Convention Amendments: New Global Standards
The 2019 amendments to the Basel Convention, which took effect in January 2021, significantly strengthen controls on plastic waste movement by:
- Clearly defining which plastic wastes fall under convention controls
- Requiring prior informed consent from importing countries
- Increasing penalties for illegal trade
From Containment to Solutions
Asia-Pacific customs administrations are shifting from purely enforcement-focused approaches to integrated solutions that include:
- Strengthening collaboration with environmental agencies
- Promoting sustainable packaging and green customs procedures
- Raising public awareness about plastic waste reduction
The WCO's initiative marks a significant step in building regional capacity to address plastic waste challenges while supporting sustainable development goals.