World Earth Day: How Customs Procedures Protect the Environment

Ever wondered how supply chain regulations protect the environment? We explain how customs processes protect the planet, and how we support your compliance, this Earth Day.

Contents:

• The net-zero promise
• Catch certificates
• Phytosanitary certificates
• FLEGT certification, the EUDR and other timber regulations
• Digitalisation and customs sustainability
• Building a resilient supply chain as regulations evolve

The Net-Zero Promise

Many governments have pledged to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2050. This means working with manufacturers to offset carbon emissions so that there is as much carbon dioxide taken out of the atmosphere for every product as there is put into it. In the EU, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a good example of an initiative for this.

Although in its transition stage, importers of CBAM-classified goods need to monitor the embedded emissions of their shipments and submit CBAM reports in preparation for when emissions will need to be paid for in January 2026. This is when CBAM credits will need to be purchased relative to the embedded emissions of your goods – which will be used to pay for carbon offsetting.

Catch Certificates

The responsibility of humans to protect marine life has increased in the last few years due to the reports of dwindling fish populations and damage to barrier reefs. IUU Catch certificates are an essential component in preventing illegal fishing and overfishing to ensure that populations are maintained.

Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Catch Certificates confirm that the fish were caught by a licensed vessel, comply with an approved fishing regime, and that the shipment has been correctly documented to avoid the integration of illegal fish into the supply chain.

Phytosanitary Certificates

Phytosanitary certificates are required for most plant products that cross a border. This documents the species of the plant, where the shipment was harvested, and that the goods have been inspected by a certified body.
Species of plants that are potentially harmful to the environment, or that are due to be planted in domestic soil, can be selected for further examination on import clearance.

FLEGT Certification, the EUDR and Other Timber Regulations

The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) authorities in the EU and UK monitor the trade of wood and wood products, such as paper. This is to ensure that these commodities have been responsibly sourced, and sufficiently treated, before entering supply chains that demand these requirements.

A phytosanitary certificate is required for importing timber, and must be presented to the forestry commission on import, along with the commercial documents. Timber authorities, such as the Forestry Commission in the UK, physically inspect some shipments to ensure that the wood being imported is safe to be released into free circulation.

A FLEGT license is issued in countries that are part of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) to guarantee that standards for ethical production are being met. At present, Indonesia are the only country that have fully implemented the VPA but other tropical countries have begun the process of adopting these regulations, too.

Outside of the FLEGT authorities are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) trust marks. These organisations are responsible for monitoring suppliers of timber products and the chain of custody as goods are transported and sold.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

The EUDR expands on other regulations related to specific trade routes and timber commodities, creating a blanket responsibility for sustainable forestry operations throughout the supply chain.

From December 2025, importers will need to show that the timber involved in the production of applicable products does not involve deforestation past 2020. This is done through due diligence practices, GPS coordinates, and a declaration.

Noncompliance with the EUDR will also carry severe penalties, which you can read more about here.

Digitalisation in Customs: for a More Sustainable and Efficient Future

Today on Earth Day, we celebrate the steps being taken across industries to build a more sustainable future — and customs is no exception. Traditionally a paper-heavy sector, the customs industry is undergoing a vital digital transformation, and Customs Support Group is leading the way. Our Chief Trade Operations & Compliance Officer Nicolas Collart has previously given his thoughts on how the industry is evolving, which you can read here.

Digitalisation is not just an option — it’s a crucial driver of sustainability. By processing every second declaration digitally, we’re not only boosting efficiency and transparency but also significantly reducing our environmental footprint. This shift is saving tonnes of paper annually and setting a new industry standard for responsible, future-focused customs operations.

Building a Resilient Supply Chain as Environmental Customs Processes Evolve

Although governments around the world are leading us to do more for the environment, corporations also have a responsibility to make the changes.

Here’s how you can preserve your supply chain as regulations and market conditions adapt:

• Check Your Classification: Your commodity code and country of origin reflects your environmental obligations. Periodically revisit it so that you aren’t caught by surprise.
• Implement Data Systems: Keeping your information complete, accessible, and useable allows you to adapt to upcoming environmental regulations and other market disruptions.
• Work with Your Suppliers: As ESG reporting and sustainability initiatives develop worldwide, your suppliers have gained key insights from global regulations. Tap into their expertise.

We Know Your Challenges

As customs and trade challenges develop, CSG remains a key partner for businesses like yours who want to minimise disruption in their supply chains. From building digital efficiency to providing variable costs, we are here to help you unlock the benefits hidden in your customs function throughout Europe.

If you’d like advice on customs and sustainability this Earth Day, contact us for more information.