Discarded plastic waste doesn't simply disappear—it pollutes our environment and often ends up burdening other nations through illegal trade. As plastic pollution becomes increasingly severe, customs authorities across the Asia-Pacific region are taking proactive measures to enhance their control capabilities against this global challenge.
WCO Completes Virtual Assessments for Indonesia and Philippines
The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently concluded two virtual diagnostic missions for Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise (DGCE) and the Philippines' Bureau of Customs (BOC). These missions form part of the Asia-Pacific Regional Border Management Programme on Waste, designed to help both countries implement new amendments to the Basel Convention concerning plastic waste.
The program aims to strengthen customs authorities' capacity to manage legal plastic waste imports, reduce risks of illegal shipments, and improve awareness of the Basel Convention's plastic waste amendments, which took effect on January 1, 2021, significantly impacting global plastic waste trade regulations.
Global Plastic Crisis and the Basel Convention
With continuous growth in global plastic production, waste management has become increasingly critical. Massive quantities of plastic debris dumped in oceans and landfills pose severe threats to ecosystems and human health. The Basel Convention amendments seek to tighten controls on cross-border plastic waste transfers and ensure environmentally sound management.
Originally adopted in 1989 and implemented in 1992, the Basel Convention serves as an international treaty controlling hazardous waste movements. Recent amendments specifically address plastic waste, reflecting growing environmental concerns about improper disposal and illegal trafficking.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Approach
WCO's assessment teams from its Compliance and Facilitation Directorate worked closely with both countries' customs administrations during January 2021. Prior to the missions, both agencies completed self-assessment questionnaires, followed by detailed discussions with WCO secretariat.
The diagnostic missions evaluated six key areas:
- Strategic approach: National customs policies regarding waste management
- Legal framework: Compliance with Basel Convention requirements
- Procedural efficiency: Streamlining clearance processes for legitimate shipments
- Enforcement capabilities: Strengthening controls against illegal trafficking
- Supporting policies: Evaluating complementary measures and coordination
- Capacity building: Identifying training needs for customs personnel
These comprehensive evaluations enabled WCO to develop customized implementation plans addressing each country's specific challenges in plastic waste management.
Regional Cooperation and Future Plans
Following the assessments, WCO will deliver detailed implementation plans to both customs administrations. The organization also plans to host a regional workshop in 2021, bringing together customs representatives from across Asia-Pacific to discuss:
- Developing coordinated regional strategies
- Establishing standardized training frameworks
- Planning joint enforcement operations
This collaborative platform will enable knowledge sharing and promote unified approaches to plastic waste management challenges.
WCO's Leadership in Trade and Environmental Protection
As the global leader in customs matters, WCO continues to balance trade facilitation with environmental sustainability. Through initiatives like the Asia-Pacific waste management program, the organization supports Basel Convention implementation while strengthening customs' capacity to protect ecosystems and public health.
The diagnostic missions and subsequent action plans represent significant progress in addressing plastic pollution through enhanced border controls and regional cooperation. These efforts contribute to building a cleaner, more sustainable future by combating illegal waste trafficking and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.