Dec 2003

Work Plan (Customs) proposed by TNC

1. Title of the Work Plan

Create a framework for cooperation among customs agencies and other relevant agencies in the Asia-Pacific region

2. Main objectives of the Work Plan

Substantial numbers of large shipments of illegally cut wood enter regional trade in Asia and the Pacific. Often customs authorities, forestry departments, or others of exporting countries are suspicious about shipments but for various reasons unable to prevent them leaving the country, or information about a suspicious cargo might be received after it has left port. There should be a mechanism that allows such authorities to rapidly share such information and any evidence with authorities in the countries of destination (or of transshipment) and a system in place to follow up and monitor and further chare information on any subsequent steps taken. When evidence is strong then shipments can be impounded and extradition procedures started as well legal proceedings against the owners of the ships, suppliers of the wood and so on.

3. Expected results

• Design of a framework and system for cooperation among customs and other agencies around Asia.

• Development of support and commitment for such a system from customs agencies and others as relevant.

• Pilot testing of the system, for example between Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.

• Preparation of appropriate materials to promote adoption of such a system with top decision makers.

4. Modalities/Procedures

Invite AFP member country agencies to cooperate in the process and delegate point people to participate as members of a technical steering committee.
Hire a consultant and specialists in trade and customs enforcement matters to work with the steering committee to design a system.
Discuss, review and vet the system.
Test system on a limited basis.

5. Time frame

• Dec. 2003-Jan.2004 Identify consultant, finalize TOR, create steering committee.

• Feb-Apr 2004 Convene steering committee and create first version of design.

• May-June 2004 Test the system on a limited basis and review with steering committee.

• July. 2004 Report to decision makers

6. Arrangements for potential funding

Budget TBD, about $300,000

7. Partners involved

Governments: Japan, Indonesia, US, UK
Intergovernmental Organizations:
Civil Society: TNC, FoE Japan

Note:

The following is a summary of feedback to this Work Plan from participants to the AFP 3 meeting held November 21, 2003 in Japan.

1. NGO representatives from Japan, Indonesia and Russia expressed strong support for this WP. AFP is only partnership that can address illegal timber trade from Russia which are primarily exported to China and then to Japan, the US and other markets. US NOG representative noted an urgent need to directly involve the customs agencies of the AFP member governments in the AFP process.

2. US government representative expressed support for this WP.

3. UK government representative recognized importance of coordination among customs agencies. However he cautioned about the difficulty of customs officials being able to effectively interdict shipments of illegal timber even when identified due to lack of legal and other enforcement authority, citing the recent shipment from Vietnam to Malaysia which was eventually intercepted by the Vietnamese. Had this involved the UK, the UK government would not have be able to act unless there was a CITIES violation given its lack of legal authority to cease timber harvested illegally in another country.