2026 Caribbean Ozone Officers Thematic Meeting to Support Regulatory and Policy Frameworks

 

As countries in the English-speaking Caribbean and Haiti (Caribbean) Region advance toward complete HCFC phase-out and HFC phase down targets, the role of Customs administrations has become increasingly critical.  Effective border control, risk profiling, correct application of World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) codes, verification of quota allocations, and inter-agency coordination between Customs authorities and National Ozone Units (NOUs) are central to ensuring compliance with Montreal Protocol obligations.

While some Caribbean Countries have established HFC License and Quota Systems, operational challenges remain.   Small market size, high trade dependency, and regional and international trade flows also increase vulnerability to illegal trade in refrigerants and dependent equipment.

Against this background, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) OzonAction's CAP team for the Caribbean Region convened the 2026 Caribbean Thematic Meeting from 25 to 27 March 2026.  The meeting will focus on strengthening Customs enforcement mechanisms to support effective implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

·         Assist the 13 Governments to maintain their 35% HCFC reduction target and to achieve total HCFC phase out by 2030 as per the Montreal Protocol phase-out schedule and Assist 1 country to maintain total HCFC phase out

·         Assist 14 Governments with attaining their 10% HFC phase down target by 2029 as per the Montreal Protocol phase out schedule

·         Assist 14 Governments with enhancing their Montreal Protocol Monitoring, Reporting, Verification and Enforcement (MRVE) systems

·         Support countries with enhancing their import/export controls and illegal trade prevention measures

Expected Outputs

·         Maintenance of the 35% HCFC reduction target and progress towards the 10% HFC phase down target

·         Strengthened enforcement of HFC LQS including measures at entry ports

·         Strengthened MRVE systems supporting risk identification, enhanced LQS implementation and illegal trade prevention.

·         Enhanced collaboration between Customs and NOUs   

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago virtually participated in the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office to the 2026 Caribbean Thematic Meeting to Support Regulatory and Policy Frameworks during the period March 25 to 27, 2026 and was represented at the Meeting by Dr. Marissa Gowrie, Deputy Environmental Manager/National Ozone Officer and Mr. Jonathan Bolai, Ozone Specialist, Ministry of Planning, Economic Affairs and Development.