Imagine a world where every import and export transaction simultaneously contributes to environmental protection. Burkina Faso's customs administration is working to make this vision a reality by integrating environmental regulations into trade processes, building a foundation for sustainable development.
I. The Customs Role: Guardians of Environmental Compliance
In Burkina Faso, customs authorities serve not just as tax collectors but as crucial environmental protectors. Collaborating with multiple government agencies, they enforce international and domestic environmental laws to ensure trade activities don't harm the environment. Their legal framework includes:
Constitutional Foundation
The Burkina Faso Constitution provides the legal basis for all environmental actions.
International Commitments
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (ratified 1993)
- Convention to Combat Desertification (ratified 1993)
- Vienna Convention for Ozone Layer Protection (adopted 1985)
- Basel Convention on hazardous waste
- Bamako Convention banning hazardous waste imports to Africa
- Rotterdam Convention (1998) on hazardous chemicals
- Stockholm Convention (2001) on persistent organic pollutants
- Kyoto Protocol (1997) on climate change mitigation
- Montreal Protocol (1987) on ozone-depleting substances
- Paris Agreement (ratified 2016)
Domestic Legislation
- Environmental Code (2013)
- General Code of Territorial Authorities (2004)
- Public Health Law (1994)
- Forestry Code (2022)
- Sustainable Development Framework Law (2014)
- Law banning non-biodegradable plastic packaging (2014)
- Urban Waste Management Regulations (1998)
II. Collaborative Networks: Strengthening Environmental Oversight
Burkina Faso has established an interagency network to implement environmental policies effectively:
1. Directorate General of Environment (DGPE)
Coordinates national environmental policy implementation, focusing on pollution control, public awareness, and urban beautification.
2. Directorate General of Water and Forests (DGEF)
Protects forest resources and wildlife through management plans and international convention enforcement.
3. Directorate of Plant Protection
Ensures plant health safety through pest management, quarantine controls, and pesticide regulation.
4. National Ozone Office
Implements the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol, controlling ozone-depleting substance imports.
III. Strategic Objectives: Multi-Pronged Compliance
Customs collaborates with regulators to:
- Strengthen policy enforcement
- Manage environmental risks
- Prosecute violations
Priority areas include plastic pollution control, e-waste management, and protection of endangered species.
IV. Clear Compliance Standards
Customs and environmental agencies have established straightforward requirements:
- Import permits for plastic bags requiring clearance certificates
- Special authorizations for refrigerant gas imports
V. Enhanced Border Management
Burkina Faso employs collaborative border approaches:
- Information sharing through informal channels
- Integration of environmental certificates into risk management systems
Post-clearance audits utilize environmental documentation for fraud detection, applying standard customs procedures regardless of goods' environmental nature.
VI. Governance: Cross-Sector Coordination
The National Ozone Office exemplifies interagency cooperation, bringing together environmental, customs, and industry representatives under a 2018 decree.
VII. Streamlining Through Single Window
Burkina Faso is developing a Single Window system, with the SYLVIE platform currently collecting pre-clearance environmental documents electronically.
VIII. Process Optimization
Customs applies standard procedures uniformly, using simplified processes and risk management for environmentally sensitive goods while aligning with WCO data models.
IX. Measuring Success
Performance is tracked by the proportion of declarations accompanied by required environmental documentation.
X. Challenges and Future Directions
Despite progress, obstacles remain:
- Insufficient information sharing platforms
- Document processing delays
- Lack of formal coordination frameworks
Future opportunities include trade facilitation and economic growth through streamlined processes. Plans involve migrating SYLVIE to a comprehensive Single Window system.
Currently, Burkina Faso hasn't established SAFE Framework Pillar II compliance programs for recycling industries or engaged with circular trade platforms, indicating areas for future development.