WCO supports the initiatives and activities of the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic

29 January 2021

The WCO, through its Environment Programme, attended the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE) members’ meeting on 26 and 27 January 2021. The WCO used to participate as an observer to ENFORCE, and became a full member in 2020 to better integrate Customs enforcement initiatives within the Network and give greater prominence to the role played by Customs in environmental matters.

The mission of ENFORCE, through a network of relevant experts, is to promote Parties’ compliance with the provisions of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal pertaining to preventing and combating illegal traffic in hazardous and other wastes through enhanced implementation and enforcement of national law.

Throughout the deliberations held, the key role of Customs administrations was emphasized together with the need to further develop the knowledge and skill base of Customs officers to respond to illegal waste threats. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in reaching out to individual Customs administrations, and will further help with facilitating joint training in preparation for upcoming illegal waste-related enforcement operations.