Green Customs initiatives take center stage as Pacific customs leaders adopt ambitious communiqué
GUAM, U.S.A. – The 27th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) concluded today in Guam with a strong focus on environmental protection and a commitment to strengthening customs’ role in combating environmental crime across the Pacific region.
The final day’s sessions explored the concept of “Green Customs” – initiatives aimed at enhancing customs’ capacity to monitor and control trade in environmentally-sensitive goods, including endangered species, hazardous waste, and ozone-depleting substances.
“Customs administrations stand at the frontline of environmental protection, monitoring cross-border movements of goods that can have significant impacts on our ecosystems,” said Mr. Tekaie Ititaake, Comptroller of Kiribati Customs, who moderated the morning panel on Green Customs. “In the Pacific, where our communities depend so directly on healthy marine and terrestrial environments, this role takes on even greater importance.”
Presenters shared experiences and best practices in addressing illegal trade in endangered species, managing waste imports, and adopting eco-friendly practices within customs operations. Several member administrations highlighted successful interventions that had prevented illegal wildlife trafficking and unauthorised waste shipments in recent months.
The five-day conference concluded with the adoption of a communiqué outlining concrete actions for advancing customs operations across the Pacific region, with special emphasis on digital transformation, gender equality, capacity building, and environmental protection.
The closing ceremony also marked a leadership transition, with Mr. Udit Singh of Fiji assuming the chairmanship of the OCO Steering Committee for 2025-2026, taking over from outgoing Chair Mr. Ike Q. Peredo of Guam.
“It has been an honor to lead the OCO Steering Committee over the past year and to host this productive conference,” said Mr. Peredo. “The discussions and commitments made this week demonstrate the vitality of our organisation and our shared determination to strengthen customs operations throughout the Pacific. On behalf of the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, we sincerely appreciate the crucial role of the OCO in our collective growth, while fostering lasting partnerships along the way.”
Incoming Chair, Mr. Singh, outlined priorities for the coming year: “Building on the momentum generated in Guam, we will focus on implementing the digital transformation initiatives, gender equality commitments, and environmental protection measures agreed upon at this conference. I look forward to working with all members to advance these important priorities.”
The conference confirmed Fiji as the venue for the 28th OCO Annual Conference in 2026, with Kiribati set to host in 2027 and the Northern Mariana Islands in 2028.
The OCO, established in 1986, serves as the primary regional body for customs administrations in the Pacific, facilitating cooperation, capacity building, and harmonization of customs procedures across its membership of 24 countries and territories.
About OCO: The Oceania Customs Organisation is the regional body for Customs administrations in the Pacific region. OCO works to enhance the capacity and capability of its members in border security, trade facilitation, and revenue collection.
