TRAINING OF CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ON MONTREAL PROTOCOL AND HCFCS CONTROL – QUETTA

The National Ozone Unit (NOU), Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), through its HPMP component organized a Training Programme for Customs & Enforcement Officers on Montreal Protocol and HCFCs Control on 16-17 Jan 2025 at Quetta.

Dr. Saleem Janjua, NPM, NOU delivered the Welcome Remarks and presented an overview of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Pakistan. He emphasized that the training programme is of critical importance for effective ODS trade control and ensuring compliance under Montreal Protocol. Mr. Jameel Ahmed Baloch, Collector (Appraisement), Pakistan Customs, Quetta, served as Guest of Honour and highlighted the role of Pakistan Customs in ensuring compliance with the Montreal Protocol. Mr. Hammad Shamimi, Additional Secretary/NPD (Montreal Protocol), MoCC&EC, graced the event as Chief Guest. He appreciated the work of the NOU and stressed that customs and enforcement officers play an essential role in monitoring and preventing illegal ODS trade. He urged all participants to strengthen their contributions towards environmental protection and sustainable development.

Following the remarks session, technical presentations were delivered by subject matter experts on a range of key topics. Dr. Saleem Janjua, NPM, NOU presented an overview of Montreal Protocol implementation in Pakistan. Dr. Uzaira Rafique, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, covered ozone science, the causes and effects of ozone layer depletion, ODS substitutes, and the international response including the Vienna Convention, Montreal Protocol, and its amendments. Ms. Kanwal Ali, Director (NNDA), Pakistan Customs, addressed risk profiling and management by Pakistan Customs. Dr. Rahmatullah Vistro, Former Collector Customs, presented naming, labelling, and packaging of ODS including Harmonized System (HS) customs codes, as well as procedures for checking freight papers and permits. Mr. K.M. Zubair, Former Managing Director (NEECA), presented on transitioning from HFCs to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. Customs and enforcement officers attended the programme with keen interest. Participants reaffirmed the need for ozone layer protection, phasing out of ODS, and ensuring full compliance with the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.