A WCO National Workshop on the modernization of the Customs Laboratory in Albania, funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund – Germany, was held at the Customs Laboratory in Tirana from 19 to 23 September 2023. The workshop was facilitated by two experts from the Greek Customs Laboratory (General Chemical State Laboratory of Greece – GCSL).
The Workshop focused on the classification and analysis of polymers and elastomers (Chapters 39 and 40 of the Harmonized System) by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) with a view to achieving the uniform interpretation and application of the Harmonization System. By introducing actual analysis practices applied by the Greek customs Laboratory (GCSL), comprehensive analysis methods were explained and demonstrated by utilizing the DSC and TGA techniques on a large variety of polymers and other samples brought from the Greek Customs Laboratory (GCSL) and by interpreting the existing thermal curves of samples that have already been run by the Albanian Customs Laboratory. This included the sample preparation, the instruments’ configuration and calibration, the processing and the evaluation of the analysis results.
More specifically, properties like glass transition temperature, melting points, enthalpies of fusion and dropping points were measured on various polymer samples by using the DSC technique. Properties like decomposition temperatures, ash content, volatiles content, waters of crystallization were measured by the TGA technique. Furthermore, classification was also explained among EU Combined Nomenclature Codes of Polymers (Chapter 39) and Elastomers (Chapter 40) providing an in-depth analysis of their classification by utilizing the results of techniques DSC and TGA and also of others like FTIR, etc. The large number of the different polymers and elastomers that are being traded commercially on a global level requires a good knowledge of their properties in order to verify their identity during customs clearance.
The Workshop was attended by 7 participants from different departments of the Customs Administration of the Republic of Albania, involved in Chemical Laboratory and Classification of Goods Unit. At the closing of the Workshop, the Director of the Customs Laboratory, Mr. Arber Misja, highlighted the continuous support given by the WCO and thanked the two representatives from the Greek Customs Administration.