Virtual Meeting, 13 – 14 December 2023 ‒ United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction Asia Pacific Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) team in collaboration with the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) developed guidelines for enforcing licensing systems for controlled substances, trained customs officials on using a coordinated approach to control trade and strengthened the enforcement of national regulations for the Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
As part of the Regional Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase out Management Plan (HPMP) Stage I Tranche 3, the PICs are offered three categories of technical assistance and expertise by the UNEP: 1) technical guidance on implementing the phase-out of HCFC, 2) enhanced capacity to build national ownership and impactful results, and 3) support for reducing HCFC consumption to meet international obligations. The purpose of this project is to empower the PICs to effectively ensure long-term success in reducing HCFC consumption in compliance with the Montreal Protocol’s requirements.
Strong and active partnership with the Custom authorities have been proven crucial to combat the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Accurate import and export statistics were recorded and cross-checked to ensure that countries’ reduction targets are met. Furthermore, with the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) being controlled under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the roles of Customs to inspect both pure and blended substances and regulate domestic markets have significantly increased in line with the national obligations.
Drawing upon deep regional experience and well-established partnerships with Pacific Island Customs authorities, both the OCO and UNEP collaborated to assist 12 PICs to strengthen national licensing systems for ODS and empower Customs to identify and seize illegal shipments via training for Customs officers and brokers. This collaboration aims to streamline Customs practices and combat illegal trade in Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
Standard Operating Guidelines on Enforcement of Licensing System for Controlled Substances under the Montreal Protocol
Currently, the OCO is carrying out the development of a comprehensive set of guidelines, known as the Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG), to bolster compliance with Montreal Protocol licensing requirements for controlled substances in 12 PICs. The SOG will include key components, highlighting the assessment of existing enforcement procedures, best practices, and potential risks to provide a holistic view of potential challenges, risks, mitigation strategies, and opportunities.
In order to effectively manage import permits, handle licenses, and meet the requirements, the entire licensing and quota system from border to market inspections will reflect on a set of standardized procedures and framework. With the enforcement practices being streamlined, it is expected that countries will gain better control over the illegal trade within the region.
Adoption of Integrated Approach to Strengthen Trade Control Enforcement of Controlled Substances under the Montreal Protocol
While the PICs have traditionally identified illegal shipments of controlled substances at the border, working closely with Customs officers, some gaps remain. For this reason, the OCO and UNEP will assist them in adopting an integrated approach to control the trade of these substances. This includes building the capacities of Customs authorities through targeted interventions, namely the implementation of harmonized system (HS) codes: PACHS22 (regional coding system) to track HCFCs and HFCs, training on integrated control measures beyond border checks, and workshops on developing risk profiling criteria to optimize resources.
Promotion of enforcement of national controlled substances trade control/management regulation
It is also the OCO’s intention to proactively integrate crucial information about enforcing national regulations for controlled substances into their regional meetings and events. The implication is that every relevant meeting and event shall pave the way and facilitate for the discussions and presentations on enforcing the national regulations. Furthermore, effective enforcement practices will be weaved into various knowledge and awareness materials, including reports, presentations, resources, and disseminated at regional gatherings.
Encouraging enforcement discussions into their regional activities aims to raise awareness on enforcement best practices across PICs among relevant stakeholders, to provide a valuable avenue for PICs to exchange experiences and learn from each other's successes and challenges, and to emphasize on the importance and resources available for national enforcement.
UNEP CAP team expressed its appreciation to the OCO and the PICs for their active presence, participation, and contribution to the training. Their determined dedication to upholding the Montreal Protocol and acquired knowledge and skills will equip them to make greater impacts within their respective countries.
The training was organized by the Oceania Customs Organisation supported by UNEP OzonAction CAP team, Asia and the Pacific Office as part of its approved 2023 Work Programme under the Multilateral Fund.
For more information:
Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong
Montreal Protocol Programme Management Officer Southeast Asia/Pacific Island Countries Network
UNEP, CAP Asia and Pacific Office
Email: poopeerasupong@un.org
