10-12 November, 2025, Mombasa, Kenya

The Mid-term Evaluation Meeting of Operation DEMETER XI, funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF-China), was held in Mombasa, Kenya from 10 to 12 November 2025. At the invitation of the WCO Secretariat, Ms. Zhengqing YE represented the ROCB A/P at this important event.

First launched in 2009 with 64 Customs administrations, Operation DEMETER has grown into one of the WCO’s flagship enforcement initiatives. Operation DEMETER XI targets illegal cross-border shipments of hazardous and other waste, as well as ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) controlled under the Montreal Protocol. With 115 participating Members, this year’s operation is the largest in the series to date, reflecting the international Customs community’s strong and united commitment to combat environmental crime through cooperation and collective enforcement action.

During the meeting, the ROCB A/P presented its ongoing efforts to advance the Green Customs Initiative (GCI) in the Asia/Pacific region. In recent years, our office has observed increasing attention on Green Customs, particularly as several Members face significant waste inflows and rising domestic concern. In response, WCO capacity building activities in AP region [JT1] have progressively evolved. The earliest workshops focused on introducing the Basel Convention, the Montreal Protocol, and other key MEAs. Over time, the content expanded to include best practices—such as the use of mobile applications that enable frontline officers to upload photos of suspicious goods for initial AI-assisted assessment. Our office [JT2] also shared Members’ experiences, including China Customs’ use of Customs laboratories for plastic waste identification during these meetings. These exchanges provided valuable insights and practical takeaways for our African colleagues. Later on, our office recommended incorporating sessions on frontline officer protection when drafting workshop agendas, emphasizing the importance of proper procedures for handling hazardous waste. While Customs must work proactively to stop illegal waste shipments at the border, ensuring the safety of officers is an equally critical component of Green Customs capacity building.

Discussions revealed that some African Members face challenges similar to those encountered in the Asia/Pacific region, such as the identification of second-hand clothing and other difficult-to-assess commodities. As a regional office, our work primarily focuses on the Asia/Pacific region, but the opportunity to join an Operation DEMETER–related event in Africa proved extremely valuable. It allowed us to gain a broader perspective on global challenges and learn from diverse experiences and insights that will strengthen our ability to support AP Members more effectively.

On this occasion, the ROCB A/P expressed its sincere appreciation to the WCO Secretariat, and all partners and Members for their continued collaboration. Operation DEMETER exemplifies how enforcement and capacity building can reinforce each other. By working together, Customs administrations can act not only as facilitators of trade but also as protectors of our environment.

For more information, please contact at rocb@rocbap.org.