Risk Profiling Training Workshop for Customs Officers and Brokers

Day 1 – Customs and NOU officers at Feáo moe Ngalu Conference Room

On the 4th of August 2022, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) from the Department of Climate Change cooperated with HM Customs – Trade Division a two days of Risk Assessment training and Ozone Layer Awareness for newly recruited Custom and Broker officials at the Feáo Mo e Ngalu Building in Nukuálofa.

The training focused on the importance of safeguarding the Ozone Layer by controlling the import of ozone depleting substances. A list of the controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was provided by Mr. Áloisio Fifita from the Ozone Layer Protection Unit however, His ozone awareness presentation was based on the most common types of controlled substances in Tonga namely HCFC – 22 and other HFC substances such as R410, R404 & R407. “These are substances that have ozone depleting potentials as well as global warming potentials and it is vital to be recognized by the customs and brokers during physical inspection of imports.”

More than twenty newly recruited custom and broker officials were fortunate to attend these two days of capacity building opportunity. They had the chance to hear from Mr. Sau Niulala, Deputy CEO – Border Control emphasizing the roles and responsibilities of Custom officers as well as other related stakeholders such as brokers and Quarantine officers, the procedures of checking documents to inspection techniques and identification of ODS and finally, the profiling of all type of risks associated with border security.

As a result of the training, the newly recruits will be reliable assets in the work field based on their understanding of risk assessment protocols. They will legally manage the imports of Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) as well as other low GWP alternatives, leading to the sustainability of legal trade and keeping Tonga’s compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Day 2 – Custom Brokers attending the second day of the training