On 18 September 2025 (16:00-18:00 CEST), the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP), as part of the GEF-funded and UNEP-led Global NIP Update Project (GEF ID 10785), hosted the regional workshop "POPs and Border Control – HS Code Classification and Practical Application" for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The virtual workshop aimed to foster a shared understanding among customs authorities, Stockholm Convention focal points, and other NIP experts on how to effectively apply the Harmonized System (HS) for identifying and controlling persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in international trade.
The session featured a training component, followed by case studies that showcased practical approaches to chemical identification, enforcement challenges such as illegal trafficking and smuggling, and suggestions for interagency collaboration to ensure that National Implementation Plan (NIP) updates are based on reliable customs data.
Objectives
Raise awareness on how the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel Conventions intersect with customs operations, including key trade provisions and regulatory gaps.
Clarify POPs coverage under the Stockholm Convention and their presence in products and articles such as electrical equipment, vehicles, construction materials, textiles and foams.
Strengthen technical capacity on HS codes for POPs, including current and upcoming codes, and address cases where multiple codes may apply.
Demonstrate practical customs approaches for chemical identification, labelling and use of databases, supported by good practices in data collection and border control.
Show real-world enforcement cases of illegal traffic and smuggling to highlight common challenges and workable solutions.
Promote cooperation between customs and Stockholm Convention focal points across trade stages, backed by national legislation and inter-agency coordination.
Target audience
Stockholm Convention focal points: Official Contact Points (OCPs), National Focal Points (NFPs) and National Assistants, particularly from the project countries.
Customs and data experts: National Customs officers and, where relevant, representatives from National Statistical Committees to strengthen links between trade data and POPs inventories.
National experts on NIPs: Practitioners involved in the review, update and drafting of National Implementation Plans (NIPs), as well as technical experts supporting their development and implementation.
Cross-sectoral representatives: Members of National Coordinating Mechanisms, Project Coordination Units and Thematic Task Groups engaged in NIP or related chemical management processes.
Project teams: Units working on GEF 10785 or related chemicals and hazardous waste projects, ensuring cross-project learning and synergies.
Regional institutions: Representatives of Stockholm and Basel Convention Regional Centres supporting Parties in the region.
Speakers
Melisa Tin Siong Lim, Project Management Officer, BRS Secretariat/UNEP
Daniel Cardozo, a chemical engineer and international trade expert with extensive experience in customs classifications and chemicals management, including service as staff of the World Customs Organization (WCO)
Contacts
Anastasiya Buchok
Senior Project Associate, Global NIP Update Project (GEF 10785), GGKP
email: [email protected]