The number of foreign solid waste and endangered species smuggling cases in China has declined amid strengthened international collaboration, an official of China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the debriefing and interim evaluation meeting of Operation Demeter and Operation Mekong Dragon, the joint anti-smuggling efforts by the GAC and the World Customs Organization.
Since China banned the import of solid waste in 2021, authorities have investigated over 369 cases involving foreign waste smuggling, uncovering more than 270,000 tons of illegal waste. Increased international cooperation has contributed to a positive decline in the number and volume of these cases.
"Solid waste is often transported across regions, with cases frequently detected in Southeast Asia and West and Southeast Africa. Customs agencies in China, Indonesia, and some other countries are actively promoting the repatriation of solid waste. Through joint enforcement actions, we have ensured the effective implementation of both international and domestic policies," said Sun Zhijie, director of the anti-smuggling department of the GAC.
Customs authorities have also responded to the rise in cross-border smuggling via mail, travelers, and land routes by enhancing screening techniques, utilizing intelligent imaging, big data analysis, and international intelligence sharing to improve the interception rate of international packages. For intercepted smuggled goods, joint investigations with source countries have been conducted to tackle the issue comprehensively.
"Over the past four years, we have coordinated with customs agencies in more than 20 countries on 275 controlled deliveries, helping seize 70 kilograms of endangered species and related products and over 1,920 endangered plants," Sun said.
China sees decline in solid waste, endangered species smuggling cases through int'l cooperation
