Mountains of plastic waste, destined for proper recycling, are instead being illegally trafficked across borders, posing severe environmental threats. In response to the growing challenge of cross-border plastic waste flows, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is taking decisive action to enhance the control capabilities of Asia-Pacific customs authorities under the amended Basel Convention on plastic waste.
Challenges in Managing Plastic Waste in the Asia-Pacific Region
The Asia-Pacific region is a major hub for global plastic production and consumption, as well as a primary source and importer of plastic waste. With increasing global attention on plastic pollution, countries are tightening regulations on waste management. The Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments, effective January 1, 2021, introduced stricter requirements for transboundary movements of plastic waste, placing greater demands on customs oversight. Key challenges faced by regional customs include:
- Legal complexity: Divergent national definitions, classifications, and management requirements for plastic waste complicate enforcement.
- Illegal trade: Criminal networks exploit regulatory gaps by disguising plastic waste as other commodities.
- Capacity limitations: Many customs agencies lack sufficient personnel, technology, and equipment to effectively identify and intercept illegal shipments.
WCO's Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project
To address these challenges, the WCO launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project. The initiative aims to strengthen customs' ability to manage legal plastic waste imports, curb illegal trafficking, and improve awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Key components include:
- Diagnostic assessments: Expert teams evaluate member customs' strengths and weaknesses in waste management.
- Capacity building: Training and technical support to improve identification, classification, inspection, and disposal capabilities.
- Information sharing: A dedicated platform facilitates cross-border cooperation.
- Policy guidance: Recommendations to help members strengthen legal frameworks.
Virtual Assessments in Indonesia and the Philippines
As a critical implementation step, the WCO conducted virtual diagnostic missions in January 2021 with Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs (January 11-15) and the Philippines Bureau of Customs (January 18-22). A specialized WCO team engaged officials on:
- Strategic approaches to waste management
- Legal frameworks for plastic waste
- Clearance procedures for legitimate shipments
- Enforcement measures against illegal trade
- Policy support mechanisms
- Training needs for personnel
Both countries had completed preliminary self-assessment questionnaires prior to the missions, enabling focused discussions.
Next Steps: Customized Plans and Regional Collaboration
The WCO will deliver tailored implementation plans to Indonesian and Philippine customs, proposing specific improvements based on diagnostic findings. Additionally, a regional workshop scheduled for 2021 will bring together Asia-Pacific customs officials to:
- Develop coordinated strategies for plastic waste management
- Establish standardized training frameworks
- Plan joint enforcement operations
Global Significance
The project represents a critical response to the international plastic pollution crisis. By strengthening customs capabilities, it aims to reduce illegal waste trafficking while protecting environmental and public health. The initiative also demonstrates the WCO's role in fostering multilateral solutions to global challenges.
The lessons learned from Indonesia and the Philippines are expected to inform broader regional and global customs practices. As plastic pollution escalates, such international cooperation and capacity building become increasingly vital for achieving sustainable environmental governance.