Windhoek, Namibia, 11 September 2023 – At a recent gathering of 10 countries (Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe) from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the commitment to safeguarding the ozone layer and promoting sustainable chemical management practices through border dialogue took a center stage. The meeting which had both plenary and working group sessions was attended by Forty-five National Ozone Officers and Custom Officers from 10 countries, comprising 20 women and 25 men.
The event, organized by UNEP OzonAction’s Anglophone Africa team, in collaboration with the Government of Namibia, and in cooperation with the relevant ministries of the SADC countries, underscored the dedication of the region to these crucial environmental objectives. This event is part of the Regional Network service provided by OzonAction's Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP).
Present at the event, Hon. Lucia Iipumbu, Minister of Industrialization and Trade outlined several measures taken by Namibia in the phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances, including prohibiting the importation of equipment containing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and gradually phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)-based equipment. Import permit requirements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have also been imposed, aligning legislation with neighbouring countries for harmonized regulations. Many of the SADC countries, signatories to the Montreal Protocol, actively strive to phase out the importation of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
Furthermore, collaboration with Customs and Excise officials to combat illegal ODS trade was emphasized during the workshop. Countries in the SADC region are committed to promoting sustainable chemical management through policies and programmes aimed at reducing the use of ODS while advocating for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Representatives from the various SADC countries expressed their support for these initiatives and committed to enhancing regional cooperation in combating illegal ODS trade. The meeting agenda consisted of presentations, discussions, practical demonstrations and working groups as well as interactive exercises to consider overall challenges in the SADC region and good practices in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and combating illegal trade. In addition, the event covered a wide range of topics, including regional cooperation, legislation and regulations, and useful tools for curbing illegal trade.
Countries were encouraged to register and utilize the Informal Prior Informed Consent (iPIC) system, preventing illegal trade of restricted and prohibited substances. This would prevent the export/import of unwanted ODS, and reduce unnecessary costs associated with pre-shipments, destruction, safe storage, and auctioning.
In addition, the countries were encouraged to put in place punitive measures and publicize offenders as a deterrence to potential violators and to report cases of illegal trade to the Ozone Secretariat and CAP, as an effort to combat illegal trade in the region.
The workshop also stressed the importance of the Harmonized System (HS) codes, which facilitate legitimate trade and combat illegal trade. Additionally, stakeholder consultation and cooperation, involving various parties such as National Ozone Officers, Customs and Excise officials, importers, technicians, the Bureau of Standards, the Ministry of Trade, and other law enforcement units, were identified as crucial elements in monitoring and combating illegal trade.
With ongoing efforts and regional collaboration, the SADC countries, in conjunction with the Africa Anglophone network, are collectively paving the way for a more environmentally sustainable and secure future. The commitment to these objectives aligns with the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment, emphasizing the global community's responsibility to protect the ozone layer and promote sustainable practices.
The workshop was organised by UNEP OzonAction CAP, Africa Office as part of its approved 2023 Work Plan to support countries under the Montreal Protocol for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
For more information :
Patrick Salifu
Regional Network Coordinator
Anglophone Africa
Florence Asher
Programme Management Officer
Anglophone Africa
