World trade of environmentally-sensitive commodities: legal and institutional aspects

Abstract

Trade liberalization does not mean that the role of Customs authorities is diminishing. Instead, the modern customs should expedite cross-border trade to promote economic development and preventing illicit trade. Certain sub-stances and commodities that cross borders are considered to be “environ-mentally sensitive” for human health and ecosystems. The environmental illicit trade causes serious damage to the environment. It is considered as a threat for national environmental security. In many countries, customs plays an important role in protecting of the environment. It enforces the provisions of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (henceforth MEA). The present study is a systematic review of customs – related environmental issues at different levels. Particular attention is paid to examples of customs escort of MEA from the experience of the Russian Federation, the EAEU and the BRICS. The results of the study can serve as a basis for developing measures for the ensuring environmental security with the help of customs management practices, tools, and techniques.