Resources

The ECA network has implemented enforcement–related activities since its inception in 2003 including regional enforcement meetings, border dialogues, and a series of awards for Customs and Enforcement Officers.

The National Single Window is a centralized system that links all relevant government approving authorities and acts as a ‘one-stop-shop’ where importers and exporters may submit applications electronically including information and all required paperwork to support the application and approval process.

This Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Montreal Protocol Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers (5th edition – 2019-2020) - Report seizures and informal prior-informed consent (iPIC) consultations has been prepared by UNEP Law Division OzonAction for the virtual ceremony of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Montreal Protocol Award for Customs… read more

This publication provides an analysis of the cases submitted in the context of the Global Montreal Protocol Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers. The Global Award was launched in 2018 by UNEP OzonAction. This Global Award is intended to raise awareness about the Montreal Protocol and to recognise customs and enforcement officials for… read more

The Green Customs Guide to Multilateral Environmental Agreements was designed to promote sustainable trade and encourage customs and border control officers to take on a proactive role in protecting the environment. The guide provides customs and border control officers, as well as anyone interested, with useful information and guidance about… read more

iPIC is a voluntary and informal mechanism of information exchange on intended trade between countries in ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), mixtures containing these as well as products and equipment. It enables countries to share details of eligible importers and exporters with other member countries through a… read more

The new iPIC (Informal Prior Informed Consent) online system provides member countries with a standardised and personalised access to key licensing system data in each of the participating countries. As of June 2022, iPIC has at least 100 participating countries plus the European Union and lists more than 2000 companies authorised to trade ODS… read more

The award recognizes the crucial role of customs & enforcement officers in implementing trade restrictions and bans for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Both groups of chemicals, which are controlled under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, are widely used as refrigerants and… read more

Global Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers: Compilation of iPIC Consultations & Seizures

UN Environment Programme OzonAction, in cooperation with the World Customs Organization and the Ozone Secretariat, is launching the fifth edition of the ECA Montreal Protocol Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers for the period 2019-2020. The award recognizes the crucial role of customs & enforcement officers in implementing trade… read more

Until the World Customs Organisation’s Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, or Harmonized System (HS) is revised in 2022, all HS codes for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are contained in a single HS code which does not allow differentiation of the individual chemicals or of mixtures/blends. This document outlines a proactive interim… read more

The OzonAction ‘WhatGas?’ application is an information and identification tool for refrigerants gases: ozone depleting substances (ODS), HFCs and other alternatives. It is intended to provide some stakeholders, including Montreal Protocol National Ozone Officers, customs officers, and refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians with a… read more

In the Kigali Amendment the Protocol was extended to control the production and consumption of HFCs. These are not ODS, but they are very powerful greenhouse gases (GHGs). This Fact Sheet provides details of which substances are controlled under the Montreal Protocol and gives examples of related substances that are not included in these… read more

This report of seizures and iPIC consultations is based on the cases reported in the context of the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) Ozone Protection Award for Customs and Enforcement Officers (4th edition) which is part of the work programme of the UNEP Regional Ozone Network for Europe and Central Asia (ECA network). UN Environment is grateful… read more

This poster provides a short checklist for customs officers of things to keep in mind when handling ozone depleting substance shipments.

An essential tool in building the capacity of Customs Officers, The Training Manual for Customs Officers provides the necessary guidance and information to effectively monitor and facilitate the legal trade in ozone depleting substances and to combat their illegal trade. It presents information on the international policy context and an… read more

This report provides a summary of recent cases of illegal trade and the policy measures in place to combat HCFC smuggling. By considering market conditions for HCFCs and drawing parallels with the context and methods used by smugglers which led to chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) smuggling, the report provides an analysis of the risks of HCFC smuggling… read more

Illegal international trade in “environmentally-sensitive” commodities such as ozone depleting substances (ODSs), toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes and endangered species is an international problem with serious consequences: it directly threatens human health and the environment, contributes to species loss, and results in revenue loss for… read more