On 16 September, the World Customs Organization (WCO) joins the global community in commemorating World Ozone Day, an important occasion to raise awareness about the Montreal Protocol’s mission: the phasing out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent climate-warming gases. This year’s theme, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action”, emphasises the Protocol’s ongoing contribution to climate change mitigation, an area where Customs plays a pivotal role.
The Montreal Protocol, adopted on 16 September 1987, remains a landmark in global environmental governance, establishing legally binding measures on the production and consumption of ODSes and HFCs. Collective global efforts under the Protocol have not only enabled the slow recovery of the ozone layer but also significantly contributed to reducing the impacts of climate change.
Recognising that the illegal trade in ODSes and HFCs poses a significant threat to the Protocol’s effectiveness, the WCO provides its members with targeted capacity-building support through its Environment Programme. Global operations such as DEMETER are a key part of these efforts, designed to strengthen detection and prevention capabilities in the fight against illicit trade.
The most recent of these operations, DEMETER 2023, saw the participation of 106 Customs administrations, leading to 46 seizures, including 130 390.6 kg of ODSes and HFCs, as well as 575 pieces of equipment containing or relying on controlled substances. This represents an increase of over 420% in quantities compared to the previous operation in 2022.
Combating the illegal trade in ODSes and HFCs requires robust international cooperation due to its transnational nature. Coordinated efforts between Customs administrations, other law enforcement agencies and international bodies are essential to address the loopholes and strengthen enforcement. In this regard, the WCO’s partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction, China Customs and the Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Asia and the Pacific (RILO A/P), play a vital role in preserving the ozone layer.
The WCO Secretary General (SG), Ian Saunders, emphasised the critical role of Customs in this global mission. “The Montreal Protocol exemplifies the power of international collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. Customs is at the forefront in protecting the integrity of the Protocol by curbing illegal trade in substances that could pose a risk to the ozone layer. The WCO remains committed to empowering its members to carry out this essential work.”
Customs administrations worldwide are on the frontline of enforcing the Montreal Protocol. Tasked with monitoring and controlling cross-border movements of ODSes and HFCs, Customs officers ensure that goods comply with the Protocol’s trade provisions. By combating the illegal trade in these substances, Customs authorities play a crucial role in global efforts to safeguard the ozone layer and fight climate change.
The use of WCO Harmonized System (HS) tariff codes in international trade significantly enhances Customs’ enforcement efforts by allowing the identification of substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol. Based on this, Customs administrations around the world can detect, track and regulate their movement, ensuring that they are traded only under strict regulatory conditions.
As we celebrate World Ozone Day 2024, it is crucial to recognise the importance of the Montreal Protocol and the urgency of protecting the ozone layer while combating climate change. The combined efforts of international organisations, governments and Customs administrations have yielded significant progress, but continued vigilance and cooperation are required to ensure full compliance with the Protocol and secure a sustainable future for all.
