Apia, Samoa, 4–9 September 2023 ‒ UN Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction Asia Pacific Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) team organized 1) a Network Meeting of Pacific Island Countries (PIC) National Ozone Officers (NOOs), 2) the Thematic Workshop on Nation-wide Data Collection under the Kigali Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Implementation Plan (KIP) preparation, and 3) the Twinning National Ozone Officers - Customs Workshop on ODS/HFC Trade Control and Reporting. The meetings aimed to facilitate network countries to share experiences and good practices in various areas, strengthen enforcement of licensing system, and facilitate regional cooperation under the Montreal Protocol.
The meetings were attended by a total of 41 participants (20 female/21 male) from 14 Pacific countries and Australia. This included the network countries, UNEP, resources persons consisting of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water of Australia, Ocean Climate Energy Advisor INC., the Oceanic Customs Organisation Secretariat (OCO), and UNEP OzonAction, Law Division.
Held on the 4 September 2023, the Network Meeting highlighted the discussions on the key issues, outcomes, and decisions of the 92nd Executive Committee meeting and the 45th Open-ended Working Group (OWEG) meeting. Participants also attended the capacity training to mainstream gender and enhance national and regional communications and outreach efforts for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
The adjoining Thematic Workshop on Nation-wide Data Collection under the KIP Preparation held on 5-6 September 2023 enabled network countries to recognize a significant need for KIP data collection that has become more complex compared to the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) data collection and that accurate and substantive data is essential for the proper development of strategy of the KIP. Sessions were consequently designed to help the countries develop an effective strategy and streamline the processes of conducting data collection and analysis. This includes the essential data required from the import statistics of HFC substances, import data of refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) and mobile air conditioning (MAC) equipment, servicing behaviours, the inventory of HFC-based equipment and servicing behaviour data on how HFCs are being used for installation and maintenance of these appliances.
“It is important for the NOU to understand how and where each HFC is being used, and the need of industry before making an intervention on the HFC phasedown. This cautious approach aims to prevent any negative impact on the country's economy due to misguided assumptions.”, said Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong, Interim Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator – Southeast Asia/Pacific Island Countries Network.
Following the Network Meeting and the Thematic Workshop, the Twinning NOOs-Customs Workshop on ODS/HFC Trade Control and Reporting was conducted on 7- 9 September 2023. The meeting recognized the significant importance of the Customs Authorities which has played a critical role in the enforcement of the ODS/HFC licensing system under the Montreal Protocol to ensure that the import/export of controlled substances is cleared through an import/export license. The Twinning Workshop welcomed both the NOOs and the Customs officer with an introduction to the enforcement and monitoring of the licensing system, including the overview of functions and workstreams related to the Montreal Protocol. Having learned from the phase-out of HCFCs, participants shared their perspectives and good practices on mechanisms deployed by both the National Ozone Units and Customs Authorities that can supplement the existing activities that focus on strengthening the capacity of the Customs at the border including National Single Window system, data reconciliation of import data, risk profiling, enforcement through market inspection, mandatory labelling of HCFC cylinders and post-clearance audit etc.
“Every country took a commitment in the protection of the ozone layer; this is a story of hope and the Multilateral Fund also provided financial resources for all countries in the region to assist them in meeting these commitments. UNEP is enthusiastic to continue its cooperation with all stakeholders, especially National Ozone Officers and Custom Authorities, to regulate and monitor the trade of ODS and HFC”, said Ms. Dechen Tsering, Regional Director, UNEP Asia and Pacific Office.
Both NOOs and Customs Officers were trained on how to use the WhatGas? application for checking information on the cylinder during the customs clearance process. The workshop shared positive feedback on the usefulness of both the WhatGas? application and the Informal Prior Informed Consent (iPIC), an informal and voluntary mechanism of information exchange on intended trade between the authorities in importing and exporting countries, in helping to facilitate and monitor ODS trade and avoid illegal or unwanted shipments. Lastly, UNEP launched the Customs Broker Training Package to all participants. The training package has been specifically designed to support countries in delivering national training sessions to importers/Customs Brokers to enhance their knowledge of the Montreal Protocol and its significance in terms of accurate reporting of data annually required under the Country Programme and Article 7.
Cooperation between NOUs and Customs is essential for effective enforcement at the domestic market. They were encouraged to explore collaboration opportunities with Customs and other national enforcement agencies in relevant workstreams to strengthen enforcement of the licensing system not only at the customs checkpoint but also beyond. The collaboration among different stakeholders is believed to effectively empower the joint efforts in enforcement into tangible successes.
“The Customs Authority has played an important role in enforcement of the ODS/HFC licensing system under the Montreal Protocol to ensure that import/export of controlled substance is cleared through an import/export license. Publications and mobile applications like OzonAction's WhatsApp are also useful tools for Customs Officers to employ in order to determine what kinds of refrigerants are being brought into the country.”, said Mr. Nausad Ali, Chief Customs Officer (NBCTC), Border – Suva, Fiji Revenue Customs Services
UNEP CAP team and PIC network countries expressed the gratitude to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Government of Samoa, and the Customs Authority for their hospitality without which all meetings would not have been possible.
The meetings were organized by UNEP OzonAction CAP, Asia and the Pacific Office as part of its approved 2023 Work Programme under the Multilateral Fund.
For more information:
Mr. Pipat Poopeerasupong
Interim Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator, Southeast Asia/Pacific Island Countries Network
UNEP, Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP)
Asia and Pacific Office
