The World Customs Organization (WCO) joins the international community on Wednesday, September 16, to celebrate 35 years of work to protect the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is a fragile band of gas that protects the Earth from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, thus helping to preserve life on the planet.
In relation to this, the global entity Held: “This work is particularly relevant for the WCO this year as it brings together the global customs community around the theme “Customs fostering sustainability for people, prosperity and the planet".
Thus, the WCO reiterated its support for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and OzonAction for the implementation of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. The effective implementation of these Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) is essential to ensure that products placed on the market are safe for both human health and the environment.
“Customs are a key player in the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals,” said WCO Secretary-General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya. He added: “Customs can improve controls over cross-border movements of environmentally sensitive commodities by fostering international cooperation, managing risks and applying technology to data exchange and analysis.«.
He also said that customs officials are at the forefront of environmental protection. They play a key role in preventing and detecting illegal trade and ensuring compliance with MEAs., including the Montreal Protocol. To support Customs in this mission, the WCO, in cooperation with OzonAction and Green Customs Initiative partners, is providing training and guidance to Customs officials around the world, increasing their knowledge, improving their skills and facilitating their access to information, so that they can successfully mitigate illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
The global organization also said it “also coordinates global law enforcement operations, such as Operation Demeter targeting illicit shipments of ODS. In 2019, Operation Demeter V resulted in customs officers seizing 8.031 kg of illegally traded ODS.”
He added that Only through multilateral cooperation and continued capacity building can Customs successfully and sustainably implement MEAs and mitigate illicit trade.
“By developing a network of trust and enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing, Customs around the world are actively contributing to the protection of the planet and its people,” the WCO said.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
