PLEASE DISSEMINATE WIDELY
IF POSSIBLE TRANSLATE INTO NATIONAL LANGUAGE
Background
Illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances (ODS) as well as products / equipment containing or relying on ODS (herein referred to as ODS equipment) has been and continues to be serious concern for many Parties to the Montreal Protocol.
There are a number of reasons for continued illegal trade in ODS and ODS equipment:
– long lifespan of equipment using ODS and, consequently, remaining demand for already banned ODS including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and halons
– reduced amount of legally available virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) due to the accelerated phase-out schedule of HCFCs and the fact that the available amount of recycled HCFCs may not satisfy demand
– differentiated phase-out schedules for HCFCs in neighbouring countries may encourage the illegal cross-border trade of HCFCs (e.g. substances are already banned in country A but still allowed in country B).
– export of used refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment relying on ODS from countries with advanced phase-out schedules
– high profitability of illegal trade combined with low risk of detection and generally penalties for offenders.
ODS smuggling reduces the incentives for users to shift to alternatives as well as supplying energy-efficient alternative technologies using ozone- and climate-friendly refrigerants. Thus, it undermines the achievements of the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.
Customs and Enforcement Officers assume a key role in monitoring and controlling the trade in ODS and enabling countries to fulfil their commitments under the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.
The Enforcement Network of Customs & Ozone Officers for Europe & Central Asia (ECA) established the award scheme in 2010 and the first award ceremony took place during the closing session of the ECA Enforcement Network Meeting in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 15 October 2010. Customs and Enforcement Officers from Armenia, China, Croatia, European Union, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russian Federation and Serbia received certificates and medals of honour for their efforts to prevent illegal trade in ODS and ODS equipment. For detailed information please click here.
Objective: The ECA Ozone Protection Award 2011 aims to provide the incentive and recognition to Customs and Enforcement Officers, who succeed in preventing illegal trade in ODS and ODS equipment. It also contributes to raising awareness about the Montreal Protocol and promotes cooperation between Customs Services and National Ozone Units.
Eligibility: Any Customs & Enforcement Officer (including Environmental Inspectors, Police, Licensing & Ozone Officers) who successfully prevented illegal trade in ODS or ODS equipment.
Geographical scope: Any country, provided that the prevented illegal trade of ODS or ODS equipment involves countries of the European, Caucasus and Central Asian region.
Time period: The action against illegal trade in ODS or ODS equipment over the period of July 2010 to 31 December 2011 will be eligible for nomination for the award.
Nomination: A detailed description of the specific actions and details of the case of prevented illegal trade in ODS and ODS equipment including contact details, evidence and photographs should be submitted through the National Ozone Unit to UNEP using the nomination form by 30 June 2012:
Selection criteria: The selection of winners will be carried out by a volunteer expert panel established by UNEP. The selection criteria will include the relative importance of the prevented illegal trade, the quality and completeness of the provided information, the personal effort involved and the outreach / publicity effect to raise awareness.
Awards ceremony: Selected winners will be invited to attend the ECA enforcement network meeting 2011 (subject to approval) to share detailed information about their case with other participants and to stimulate the debate on preventing illegal trade in ODS and ODS equipment in the region. During the award ceremony, certificates and medals of honour will be presented to the selected winners. A media briefing on the award ceremony and the cases of prevented illegal trade will be widely shared through national media contacts, ozone networks in other regions as well as WCO’s eco-message.