Workshop addresses ozone-depleting substance trade

Customs officers must be made aware of the control measures for ozone-depleting substances.

Deputy trade minister Verna Sinimbo stated at the National Ozone Unit and Customs Twinning Workshop and Border Dialogue for countries of SADC that trade in hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) continues, with seizures occurring worldwide.

She explained that the workshop aims to facilitate discussions and the sharing of ideas regarding how to effectively control the trade of ozone-depleting substances.

According to her, an event of this nature was successfully held in September 2019 in Katima Mulilo, between Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho , Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

"It is on the basis of this success that we convene this joint border control dialogue and hope for the same outcome, or better."

Protecting life

Sinimbo said the United Nations Environment Implementing Agency for the Montreal Protocol has encouraged events such as these where custom officers meet and discuss common border challenges and proposed solutions when it comes to controlling ozone-depleting substances.

The Montreal Protocol came into being 36 years ago in response to the revelation that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances used in aerosols, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and many other items were tearing a hole in the ozone layer and allowing dangerous ultraviolet radiation to flood through.

"This layer is particularly important in protecting life on Earth from these harmful rays. Should the layer be depleted and the rays penetrate the Earth and reach us, skin cancers, eye cataracts, a suppressed immune system, poor crop quality, and degradation of material are but some of the effects of a depleted ozone layer," said Sinimbo.

She said the Montreal Protocol stands as an example of what can be achieved through a united world.

"Under the protocol, nations agreed to control the production and consumption of these substances known to deplete the ozone layer and regulated under the Montreal Protocol; some are also greenhouse gases and major contributors to global warming."

Successful implementation

Sinimbo said the protocol has been hailed as a success story, and Namibia joined in 1993 and has since 2010 complied with the set phase-out schedule, therefore maintaining zero consumption of chlorofluorocarbons.

She said the aim of the joint border dialogue is to strengthen cooperation between the customs departments of the countries in monitoring the trade of ozone-depleting substances.

"This comes in light of the challenges that we are currently facing at our shared border posts in controlling and monitoring ozone-depleting substances, as well as challenges with the different substances legislation and licencing and quota systems that need harmonisation where possible."

According to Sinimbo, the dialogue will focus on practical aspects where cooperation between the National Ozone Unit and customs could potentially tackle these issues.

"This platform also allows for countries to harmonise their policies on the control of substances under the Montreal Protocol."

She added that Namibia reports on annual trade statistics of substances under the Montreal Protocol to the Ozone Secretariat and the Multi-Lateral Fund.

According to her, Namibia has recorded improvements in the illegal trade or importation of ozone-depleting substances and remains compliant through its efforts to adhere to its obligations under the Montreal Protocol.