The Hague, the Netherlands, 20 February 2025 – UNEP OzonAction contributed to the discussion of customs related issues from the perspective of the implementation of the Montreal Protocol at the recently held 19th meeting of the Green Customs Initiative (GCI) from 19 to 20 February 2025 in the Hague, the Netherlands. The meeting was hosted by one of its partners, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
The GCI aims to enhance the capacity of customs and border control officers to enforce and foster compliance with obligations of trade-related multilateral environmental agreements and corresponding national legislation.
Key highlights of the meeting included partners sharing relevant activities and identifying potential areas for cooperation. The meeting also featured the presentation of the draft report on customs, trade, and gender, as well as an information note on customs and free trade zones. Additionally, the 2025 GCI priorities and the workplan were discussed, among other issues.
About GCI
The GCI, launched in 2004, is a partnership of international entities cooperating to prevent the illegal trade in environmentally-sensitive commodities and substances and to facilitate their legal trade. Its objective is to enhance the capacity of customs and other relevant border control officers to monitor and facilitate legal trade and to detect and prevent illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities covered by relevant trade related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and international conventions.
These commodities include ozone depleting substances (ODS), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, endangered species, and certain living-modified organisms. The objective of the GCI is achieved through awareness-raising on all relevant international agreements and providing assistance and tools to the customs community. Green Customs Initiative is designed to complement and enhance existing customs training efforts under the respective agreements.
OzonAction and GCI
UNEP OzonAction’s involvement with the GCI is through its mandate, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Through the Compliance Assistance Programme, OzonAction has organized a series of customs training workshops and joint workshops in partnership with National Ozone Units to build their capacity and cooperation in monitoring and controlling illegal trade. A variety of guidelines, awareness, and training materials for Customs and Enforcement Officers were produced by OzonAction in collaboration with the Ozone Secretariat.
For more information:
- Green Customs Initiative Partners | Green Customs
- UNEP OzonAction - Tatiana Terekhova, Capacity Building Manager
