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United Nations Environment Programme
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Date: 9 September 2025

Time: 15:00–16:40 hrs (UTC+3)

Webinar Recording is available here 

This webinar takes a keen focus on the information note on “Free Trade Zones, Trans-shipment and Multilateral Environmental Agreements” which highlights how Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and trans-shipment operations can complicate the tracking of environmentally sensitive commodities, making it difficult to monitor and enforce environmental and trade-related laws. It underscores the need for robust monitoring, improved customs procedures, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure compliance with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). This webinar will explore how countries can strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks governing trade in FTZs, transit, and trans-shipment contexts, while mitigating environmental risks.

Objectives 

  1. To raise awareness of the environmental and legal risks associated with FTZs, transit, and trans-shipment operations. 
  1. To explore how MEAs and international customs legal and regulatory frameworks address trade-related compliance challenges. 
  1. To share best practices and tools for improving monitoring, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination. 
  1. To support Montevideo Programme V focal points in aligning national efforts with MEA obligations and Programme priorities. 

Outcomes 

  1. Enhanced understanding of regulatory gaps and risks in FTZ and trans-shipment operations. 
  1. Increased capacity of focal points to apply MEA provisions in complex trade environments. 
  1. Strengthened collaboration between environmental and customs authorities. 
  1. Identification of opportunities for legal reform and technical assistance under Montevideo Programme 

Target Audience 

Montevideo Programme V National Focal Points; MEA National Focal Points (CITES, Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata, Montreal Protocol) 

This webinar is organised under the Fifth Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme V) that aims to strengthen environmental rule of law by enhancing understanding and capacity to address legal and environmental risks in Free Trade Zones and trans-shipment operations. 

UNEP Law Division serves as the Secretariat for both the Green Customs Initiative and the Montevideo Programme V

For any questions, please contact Angelique Muhavani, Associate Legal Officer, UNEP cc unep-montevideo@un.org 

Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and trans-shipment hubs are integral to global trade, offering economic incentives and logistical efficiencies. However, the regulatory frameworks governing these trade facilitation mechanisms are often less stringent to improve efficiency, which creates vulnerabilities open to exploitation for the illegal trade of environmentally sensitive commodities. These include hazardous chemicals and waste, ozone-depleting substances, endangered species, and other regulated goods under various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). 

The recently published information note by UNEP on “Free Trade Zones, Trans-shipment and Multilateral Environmental Agreements” highlights these risks and  underscores the need for robust monitoring, improved customs procedures, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure compliance with MEAs. While International frameworks such as the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), guidance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) provide standards for managing these trade environments, their implementation remains uneven. 

The Fifth Montevideo Programme for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law (Montevideo Programme V) prioritizes the development and implementation of effective environmental legislation, capacity-building, and the promotion of environmental rule of law. 

This webinar aligns with the Programme’s strategic activities by promoting information exchange, supporting legal innovation, and fostering partnerships to address emerging environmental challenges.  

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