WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.400 --> 00:00:02.880 Hello from Australia. 2 00:00:02.880 --> 00:00:07.560 To our colleagues, distinguished guests, presenters, trade and customs partners, 3 00:00:07.880 --> 00:00:11.880 academics and members of the public who have come together to be part 4 00:00:11.880 --> 00:00:15.720 of the Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum here in Virginia. 5 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:19.800 My name is Kimberly Stamatis and I am the Assistant Secretary 6 00:00:19.800 --> 00:00:22.960 for the Customs and Trade Policy Branch in the Australian Border Force. 7 00:00:23.880 --> 00:00:25.080 I'd like to thank the U.S. 8 00:00:25.080 --> 00:00:29.040 Customs and Border Protection Agency for inviting me to speak to you today 9 00:00:29.200 --> 00:00:32.600 about our views and thoughts around great trade and growing customs 10 00:00:33.080 --> 00:00:36.960 and what actions we are taking as Australia's Customs Service to progress 11 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:39.960 efforts to making Green Customs our way of working. 12 00:00:40.200 --> 00:00:43.200 It is a great honor to be invited to present to you today 13 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:45.480 and I'm sad that I could not be with you there in person. 14 00:00:47.040 --> 00:00:50.160 Australia is a nation blessed with breathtaking landscapes 15 00:00:50.160 --> 00:00:54.360 and rich biodiversity and is renowned for its unique ecosystems. 16 00:00:54.840 --> 00:00:58.880 From the majestic Great Barrier Reef to the vast expanses of the outback, 17 00:00:59.160 --> 00:01:02.480 these natural wonders are not only a source of pride for us, 18 00:01:02.840 --> 00:01:05.480 but also serve as a constant reminder 19 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:09.040 of our responsibility to protect and nurture our environment. 20 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:13.080 We recognize the significance of sustainable practices 21 00:01:13.240 --> 00:01:16.800 and environmental stewardship, and together we are working towards 22 00:01:16.800 --> 00:01:20.360 preserving its natural heritage and fostering a greener future. 23 00:01:21.080 --> 00:01:22.880 So what is grain customs? 24 00:01:22.880 --> 00:01:27.120 This phrase is now being used everyday to describe a range of activities 25 00:01:27.240 --> 00:01:30.960 that Customs administrations around the world are doing in the name 26 00:01:30.960 --> 00:01:32.520 of protecting our environment. 27 00:01:32.520 --> 00:01:35.560 We are in luck, though, as the World Customs Organization 28 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:38.680 has developed a definition in their grain customs action plan 29 00:01:39.640 --> 00:01:41.040 that is grain. 30 00:01:41.040 --> 00:01:45.200 Customs refers to the measures that Customs administrations can take 31 00:01:45.360 --> 00:01:48.680 or develop to reduce their own environmental footprint, 32 00:01:48.960 --> 00:01:51.960 to protect the environment and facilitate grain trade, 33 00:01:52.080 --> 00:01:56.000 and to test transformative ideas towards sustainability excellence. 34 00:01:56.280 --> 00:01:59.880 And by doing so, drive progress on the related United 35 00:02:00.120 --> 00:02:03.120 Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 36 00:02:03.320 --> 00:02:06.000 I think having this definition helps to guide our customs 37 00:02:06.000 --> 00:02:09.000 work and efforts in the environmental space. 38 00:02:09.440 --> 00:02:12.440 I would like to share with you what we have done as an agency, 39 00:02:12.520 --> 00:02:16.440 as well as what we already do as part of broader Australian government efforts. 40 00:02:17.080 --> 00:02:20.240 I will talk about what our priorities are for a greener customs 41 00:02:20.240 --> 00:02:22.800 and the importance of innovation and incentives 42 00:02:22.800 --> 00:02:25.800 to make significant and lasting changes in the way that we work. 43 00:02:26.520 --> 00:02:29.760 In June last year, the World Customs Organization hosted 44 00:02:29.760 --> 00:02:33.040 the inaugural Green Customs Global Conference, which generated 45 00:02:33.040 --> 00:02:37.080 discussions around the need for Customs administrations to take a strong 46 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:40.760 and proactive approach in tackling the challenges of climate change 47 00:02:41.440 --> 00:02:44.760 and what actions can be taken to contribute to environmental objectives. 48 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:48.920 At the same conference, the US CBP announced and launched 49 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:52.480 the Green Trade Strategy, which will you will no doubt hear more about today 50 00:02:53.240 --> 00:02:55.680 attending the conference and hearing about the U.S. 51 00:02:55.680 --> 00:02:58.360 grain trade strategy was partly the impetus 52 00:02:58.360 --> 00:03:01.600 for the Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram APM, 53 00:03:01.680 --> 00:03:04.680 to actively lean in and engage on this topic 54 00:03:04.720 --> 00:03:07.720 and further take a leading role with our own industry stakeholders. 55 00:03:07.880 --> 00:03:10.440 He tasked us with developing a strategy 56 00:03:10.440 --> 00:03:13.440 and an approach to becoming a more greener customs. 57 00:03:13.440 --> 00:03:17.360 And so the Australian Border Force Green Customs framework was developed 58 00:03:17.360 --> 00:03:19.200 and endorsed in December of last year. 59 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:21.000 This was 60 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:24.000 something that hadn't been done before in the Australian Border Force 61 00:03:24.120 --> 00:03:27.040 pulling together and assessing all the environmental factors 62 00:03:27.040 --> 00:03:30.040 of our co work as well as our own working environment. 63 00:03:30.360 --> 00:03:33.800 We chose to develop a framework as opposed to a strategy 64 00:03:34.080 --> 00:03:38.000 as it provides a good foundation to explore both our current efforts 65 00:03:38.000 --> 00:03:39.520 and future initiatives. 66 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:42.840 Our framework outlines existing green policies and practices 67 00:03:43.120 --> 00:03:47.400 that are already in place and provides an avenue for new ideas to be explored 68 00:03:47.400 --> 00:03:51.720 and new partnerships to be formed to make changes for the better, big and small. 69 00:03:52.480 --> 00:03:56.040 The framework formalizes our commitment to environmental protection, 70 00:03:56.280 --> 00:03:57.600 and it has already opened up 71 00:03:57.600 --> 00:04:00.600 a number of opportunities where we can make some impact. 72 00:04:01.040 --> 00:04:04.680 Admittedly, many of these things we are doing, we can't claim as our own. 73 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:08.960 The Australian Government has been mandating environment and energy standards 74 00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:13.360 for many years now and these practices have become part of our everyday lives. 75 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:16.120 So we have needed to work deeper 76 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:18.440 and look deeper at what else we can be doing, 77 00:04:18.440 --> 00:04:21.880 utilizing our strengths as the leading Australian border agency 78 00:04:22.079 --> 00:04:25.840 and our links to industry groups and stakeholders who work in the supply chain 79 00:04:26.080 --> 00:04:28.560 and his activities impact border operations. 80 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:31.360 Our framework divides our 81 00:04:31.360 --> 00:04:34.800 green strategy and agenda and activities under four pillars of effort. 82 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:39.680 These are customs partnerships, environmental laws and agreements, 83 00:04:40.120 --> 00:04:43.840 green trade practices and sustainable resources and practices. 84 00:04:44.240 --> 00:04:45.560 And I will touch on each of these 85 00:04:45.560 --> 00:04:48.560 with examples of what we are doing and what we want to do. 86 00:04:49.840 --> 00:04:53.880 As I've already alluded to, some of our green activities are well-established. 87 00:04:54.040 --> 00:04:57.800 This is notable under the pillar of sustainable resources and practices 88 00:04:57.960 --> 00:05:02.360 such as energy efficiency in buildings, recycling at most locations, 89 00:05:02.640 --> 00:05:06.960 operating hybrid cars and environmentally sound disposal of seized goods. 90 00:05:08.120 --> 00:05:11.600 It is also evident under the pillar of environmental laws and agreements. 91 00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:14.640 Part of our core business is implementing 92 00:05:14.640 --> 00:05:17.640 and enforcing Australia's environmental laws at the border, 93 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:20.960 such as preventing trade and trafficking in hazardous substances. 94 00:05:21.280 --> 00:05:24.440 Protect the wildlife and surveillance and detection of illegal 95 00:05:24.440 --> 00:05:27.680 and unregulated fishing in Australia's protected marine zones. 96 00:05:27.960 --> 00:05:30.840 However, there are still improvements being made in these areas. 97 00:05:31.920 --> 00:05:35.160 The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy and Environment 98 00:05:35.160 --> 00:05:36.960 and Water is Australia's lead 99 00:05:36.960 --> 00:05:39.960 policy and regulatory agency for all things environment, 100 00:05:40.320 --> 00:05:42.960 and we have a very close working relationship with them, 101 00:05:42.960 --> 00:05:46.200 particularly in border enforcement of Australia's environmental laws 102 00:05:46.200 --> 00:05:49.200 and policies which they administer. 103 00:05:50.040 --> 00:05:53.920 The World Customs Organization's position on green Customs is for the World 104 00:05:53.920 --> 00:05:57.720 Customs Organization and Customs administrations to have more influence 105 00:05:57.720 --> 00:06:01.480 in implementing international and national environmental policies at the border. 106 00:06:01.560 --> 00:06:04.680 Past experiences have shown us that 107 00:06:04.680 --> 00:06:07.720 there can be a disconnect when determining how international environment 108 00:06:07.720 --> 00:06:12.320 conventions can be turned into laws and then enforced to be successful. 109 00:06:12.600 --> 00:06:16.920 The process of operationalizing a convention involves working more closely 110 00:06:17.040 --> 00:06:21.640 with environmental agencies where customs can help environmental bodies understand 111 00:06:21.640 --> 00:06:25.320 the nature of how border operations, compliance and enforcement work. 112 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:28.560 We believe this partnership is crucial in ensuring 113 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:32.520 we achieve the best outcomes when it comes to protecting Australia's environment. 114 00:06:33.960 --> 00:06:34.600 Working with 115 00:06:34.600 --> 00:06:38.280 the World Customs Organization and our Customs partners on Green Customs 116 00:06:38.280 --> 00:06:42.240 issues is another area we have been focusing a lot of our energy. 117 00:06:42.960 --> 00:06:47.640 Australia is currently the World Customs Organization, Asia Pacific Vice Chair 118 00:06:47.960 --> 00:06:52.440 and Australia recently hosted the 24th Asia-Pacific Regional Heads of Customs 119 00:06:52.440 --> 00:06:55.560 Administration's conference, where Green Customs was discussed. 120 00:06:56.520 --> 00:07:00.080 The World Customs Organization, with funding from the Government of Japan, 121 00:07:00.240 --> 00:07:04.160 launched the Asia Pacific Plastic Waste Project in 2020, 122 00:07:04.560 --> 00:07:08.160 recognizing the urgent need for collaborative action and enhanced 123 00:07:08.160 --> 00:07:12.400 customs capabilities to prevent and reduce the illegal shipping of plastic waste. 124 00:07:12.960 --> 00:07:16.800 The project aimed to strengthen capacity for eight beneficiary Customs 125 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:21.120 administrations being Thailand, the Philippines, Laos, 126 00:07:21.400 --> 00:07:26.000 Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka 127 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:30.320 to take appropriate action against the environmental threat of illegal shipments 128 00:07:30.320 --> 00:07:33.480 of plastic waste being exported by many first world countries. 129 00:07:34.240 --> 00:07:36.960 Australia was invited to join as an observer member 130 00:07:36.960 --> 00:07:40.560 and we were also invited to deliver a presentation at a project workshop 131 00:07:40.560 --> 00:07:41.760 in Cambodia last year 132 00:07:41.760 --> 00:07:45.480 on Australia's experience with waste, import export policies and laws 133 00:07:45.840 --> 00:07:49.000 and dealing with problematic and illegal shipments of plastic waste. 134 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:53.120 At a meeting in Perth in May of this year, the project team presented 135 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:54.360 their final regional Action 136 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:57.520 Plan to the regional heads of Customs, where it was also endorsed. 137 00:07:58.800 --> 00:08:01.880 The action plan provided a number of recommended actions 138 00:08:01.880 --> 00:08:05.640 which will help the beneficiary countries deal with the issues of plastic waste 139 00:08:05.640 --> 00:08:07.000 in their regions. 140 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:09.800 They included new legal frameworks and better information 141 00:08:09.800 --> 00:08:11.880 sharing between countries. 142 00:08:11.880 --> 00:08:15.560 Many other members in the Asia Pacific region have also expressed their interest 143 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:18.560 in this type of regional collaboration on how to deal with waste. 144 00:08:18.680 --> 00:08:21.880 And there is an interest to continue other project work along these lines. 145 00:08:22.520 --> 00:08:25.960 Australia, along with the other members in the Asia Pacific region, 146 00:08:26.120 --> 00:08:29.440 share the sentiment that we look to the World Customs Organization 147 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:31.400 to continue to lead and progress. 148 00:08:31.400 --> 00:08:34.679 The Green Customs Action Plan and other Green Customs activities 149 00:08:34.880 --> 00:08:38.880 with a focus on more concrete actions that provide great opportunities 150 00:08:39.000 --> 00:08:42.120 for member countries to be engaged in for greater outcomes. 151 00:08:42.760 --> 00:08:45.320 Developing the Green Customs framework highlighted 152 00:08:45.320 --> 00:08:48.320 areas for us where we felt we could be doing more. 153 00:08:48.520 --> 00:08:51.960 This is most obvious in the area of industry and border supply chains. 154 00:08:52.960 --> 00:08:54.280 Industry partnerships 155 00:08:54.280 --> 00:08:57.960 are important and that's why forums such as this one are very valuable, 156 00:08:58.160 --> 00:09:01.160 where we are able to share experiences and learn from each other. 157 00:09:03.160 --> 00:09:05.520 Industry stakeholders are critical partners 158 00:09:05.520 --> 00:09:07.720 with the Australian Border Force and our growing customs 159 00:09:07.720 --> 00:09:11.200 framework is the tool we're using to initiate discussions with industry 160 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:14.200 and trade groups through a number of fora. 161 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:18.280 This collaboration will assist us to better understand what businesses 162 00:09:18.280 --> 00:09:21.920 are already doing to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment. 163 00:09:22.200 --> 00:09:24.920 And we know anecdotally that Australian businesses 164 00:09:24.920 --> 00:09:26.680 are doing some great work in this area. 165 00:09:26.680 --> 00:09:29.680 The question then becomes how can we help? 166 00:09:29.760 --> 00:09:32.720 The Australian Border Force Commissioner is taking our Green customs 167 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:35.160 framework forward to industry in the next few months 168 00:09:35.160 --> 00:09:37.840 to start the green trade discussion and to seek ideas. 169 00:09:38.800 --> 00:09:39.240 Another 170 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:42.280 area of industry where we are seeking to make a difference is through 171 00:09:42.280 --> 00:09:46.280 our authorized economic operator program, the Australian Trust to Trade Program. 172 00:09:46.920 --> 00:09:50.240 Australian Border Force officers in the Australian Trusted Trader program 173 00:09:50.280 --> 00:09:53.720 are exploring both from an operational and academic perspective, 174 00:09:53.880 --> 00:09:58.040 the feasibility of their programs as a vehicle to incentivize green trade. 175 00:09:58.560 --> 00:09:59.880 The activities will examine 176 00:09:59.880 --> 00:10:02.880 the effectiveness of implementing an environmental assessment 177 00:10:02.880 --> 00:10:06.600 process to an eye program to validate growing trade practices 178 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:10.840 and setting up a framework for delivering tangible benefits for trusted traders. 179 00:10:11.200 --> 00:10:13.360 Some great work has already been done so far 180 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:16.440 and we hope to have some analysis and outcomes on this work later in the year. 181 00:10:17.280 --> 00:10:20.480 Strengthening partnerships and collaborating with industry partners 182 00:10:20.480 --> 00:10:24.160 to improve our environmental impact is our priority and area of focus. 183 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:25.680 We anticipate 184 00:10:25.680 --> 00:10:29.120 we will have some great new initiatives to commence and we look forward to be able 185 00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:32.240 to share these experiences with others soon, particularly 186 00:10:32.360 --> 00:10:36.480 if our experience can help other customs agencies or trade groups to explore 187 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:38.080 and initiate similar activities. 188 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:41.200 Thank you all for taking the time to listen 189 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:44.240 and thanks again to the US Customs and Border Protection Agency 190 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:45.520 for hosting this forum 191 00:10:45.520 --> 00:10:47.040 and inviting me to speak. 192 00:10:47.040 --> 00:10:50.560 I look forward to hearing about the outcomes and great ideas generated from today.