NEMC trains customs officers on how to manage hazardous goods   

DAR ES SALAAM: The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has begun to train customs officers stationed at border points, officials from institutions, ministries, departments, and government agencies, on the management of environmentally hazardous goods crossing the borders.

The training, conducted in collaboration with the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) through the Capacity Building Project for the Implementation of the Environmental Management Act (EMA),  was officially launched at the Mtukula Customs office and is expected to take place at other key border points, including Rusumo, Kigoma, and Tunduma.

The goal is to strengthen the understanding and capacity of government officials in enforcing environmental laws and regulations related to goods entering or exiting the country.

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Speaking during the training, the project coordinator, Paul Kalokola—who also serves as the Chief Environmental Officer at NEMC—urged participants to fully enforce environmental laws and ensure that all cross-border goods comply with legal requirements.

“It is the duty of all officers responsible for border management to ensure that goods entering or leaving the country do not pose negative impacts on the environment. Proper enforcement of environmental laws and regulations will help protect public health and control hazardous waste that could harm ecosystems,” Kalokola stated.

On his part, the Acting Customs Supervisor of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) – Mtukula, Elpidius Bigilwamungu, thanked NEMC for providing the important training, emphasizing that the knowledge gained will enhance efficiency in identifying and controlling hazardous goods at the borders.

During the training, NEMC experts presented various topics including Environmental Impact Assessment, Guidelines for Issuing Permits to Control Hazardous Waste, International Environmental Management Agreements and Protocols, Environmental Policy Issues, and Safe Use of Mercury.

This training is part of ongoing government efforts through NEMC and the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) to ensure the effective, collaborative, and accountable implementation of the Environmental Management Act, particularly in border areas, which serve as key entry points for goods into the country.