The WCO highlighted this Thursday (16.09.2021) the commitment to the Preservation of the Ozone Layer and encouraged a similar attitude to ensure that the products marketed are safe for both human health and the environment.
To mark the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, the WCO reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Environment Programme and OzonAction for the implementation of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment).
The ozone layer protects the Earth from the sun's most harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, scientists have discovered that several commonly used chemicals are extremely damaging to this protective gas layer, which is essential for both human health and the preservation of nature; it is a key aspect of tackling climate change.
Given this global circumstance, the Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, recalled: “Customs play a key role in the implementation of these international instruments for the protection of the ozone layer and, therefore, in ensuring the care of both people and ecosystems.” And he maintained that “at the borders, Customs monitors the cross-border movements of environmentally sensitive goods and can verify compliance with the provisions of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, contributing to the effective achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, including SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, at all ages.”
According to the Brussels-based body, the success of Customs' enforcement efforts in terms of the lasting implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements lies in the cooperation, risk management and the application of technology to data sharing and analysis, together with ongoing capacity building. In this way, the development of a network of mutual aid, intelligence gathering and exchange contributes to the continued active promotion of the protection of the planet and its people by customs services. (WCO Press Release)
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