On the 16th September 2010 Dubai Customs has announced to adopt the UN environment initiative of preserving the Ozone Layer by preparing a training program on how handling the substances that may affect the Ozone and disseminating this awareness program to its employees and inspectors by releasing training guide books and booklets with aim of enhancing concept of Green Customs (friendly environment). The release shall give a detailed coverage about the environment commitments.

The 16th September of Dubai Customs proclamation has come in coincidence with the Ozone World Day celebration in attempt of seizing this opportunity to draw the attention of the world on the significance of protecting the Ozone Layer

Mrs. Ferayal Twakul – the Executive Director of Community Affairs and Government Partnership Division said: the Dept has already prepared to put this initiative to execution inline with the strategy of Dubai Customs towards protecting the society and environment and enhance the concept of friendly environment which Dubai Customs endeavors to realize. She reiterated that: in coordination with UN and WCO, We shall seriously proceed to implement the training program of how handling the substances that are responsible for the depletion of the Ozone Layer.

Mrs. Tawakul clarified that the training guide the Department intends to publish will cover eight main aspects that were approved by the UN Environment Program which include identifying the ozone layer- ozone depletion and its effects on humanity, international legislations and commitments in the field of restricting goods that affect the ozone layer, the exceptional cases of permitting the clearance of such goods based on the Montreal Protocol, the preventive measures of handling, transferring and storing refrigerators (CFC) and goods which contain depleting substances to the ozone and their smuggling techniques.

These aspects include as well highlighting the HS Code of substances which deplete the ozone and their products and canning and packing methods, in addition to training on the testing and checking mechanisms of such substances such as the pressure, heat and leakage detectors.  Moreover, they cover opportunities of improving local inspectors’ competencies on how to handle detection methods and seizure of such substances.

Mrs. Tawakul stressed that Dubai Customs plan will begin with implementing training programs about how to handle substances which threaten the ozone layer in the last quarter of 2010. Ultimately, the door will be open for other respective parties in the UAE and outside the country to participate in these programs in order to achieve the mutual benefit.

Dubai Customs previously implemented a number of programs that have to do with protecting the environment; most significantly was celebrating Earth Hour function, which comes on March 27th every year, by switching off power at the customs centers for 60 minutes besides taking part in the large march that took place on the same day in order to raise the society’s awareness about the significance of rationalizing energy. Dubai Customs also participated in cleaning the sea bottom of Al Mamzar beach in Dubai and launched the We Say We Save campaign in summer 2009 to raise the awareness of Customs employees, clients and partners about the environmental issues and the importance of protecting and maintaining the environment through saving all types of energy especially during summer when excessive consumption of electricity and water usually takes place.