The world generates millions of metric tons of plastic waste annually, posing catastrophic environmental threats if improperly managed. As the international community faces increasingly severe plastic waste management challenges, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has taken proactive measures through innovative virtual diagnostic missions to enhance customs capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Project Background: Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Initiative
The Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project represents a tailored capacity-building program designed by WCO to address regional customs challenges. This initiative strengthens customs authorities' ability to regulate legitimate plastic waste imports, reduces risks of illegal plastic waste trafficking, and enhances awareness of the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments that took effect January 1, 2021.
Virtual Diagnostic Missions: Targeted Solutions Through Remote Assessment
Between January 11-15 and January 18-22, 2021, WCO deployed specialized teams from its Compliance and Facilitation Directorate to conduct virtual diagnostic assessments of Indonesia's Directorate General of Customs and Excise and the Philippines Bureau of Customs.
These remote evaluations proved more efficient and cost-effective than traditional on-site visits while maintaining operational continuity during pandemic restrictions. Through virtual meetings, online surveys, and document reviews, WCO experts conducted comprehensive evaluations of both nations' plastic waste management systems.
Comprehensive Evaluation Framework
The virtual assessments examined six critical operational dimensions:
- Strategic Framework: Evaluation of national customs strategies for waste management
- Legal Infrastructure: Review of regulatory compliance with Basel Convention requirements
- Operational Procedures: Assessment of clearance processes for legitimate plastic waste shipments
- Enforcement Capabilities: Analysis of risk assessment, intelligence gathering, inspection, and investigative capacities
- Support Systems: Evaluation of resource allocation, technical support, and interagency coordination
- Training Programs: Identification of personnel training needs and program effectiveness
Implementation Roadmap and Regional Cooperation
Following these assessments, WCO will develop customized implementation plans for both Indonesia and the Philippines, outlining specific improvement measures and action steps. The organization also plans to convene a regional workshop in 2021, bringing together Asia-Pacific customs representatives to address shared challenges through:
- Development of coordinated regional strategies
- Establishment of standardized training frameworks
- Execution of joint enforcement operations against illegal plastic waste trafficking
WCO's Ongoing Commitment
The organization remains dedicated to supporting member customs administrations in addressing global environmental challenges. Through this initiative, WCO continues to assist Asia-Pacific customs authorities in strengthening plastic waste management systems to promote environmental protection and sustainable development.
This program exemplifies WCO's broader commitment to environmental stewardship through precise diagnostics, tailored solutions, and regional cooperation—establishing a model for global efforts against plastic pollution.