Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA)

Introduction

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has been dedicated to addressing the issue of illegal trade in ozone depleting substances (ODS) since 1996 and has provided an essential service in exposing illegal activity, disseminating information and providing assistance to combat smuggling operations. EIA is the only NGO in the world which works on the issue of the illegal trade in ODS.

Uncovering the Illegal Trade in ODS

EIA has carried out a number of major undercover investigations into the black market for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons which have provided an insight into the methods and routes used by ODS smugglers, and some of the key companies and individuals involved. EIA initially uncovered the illegal trade of CFCs and halons from China and Russia to the developed world including USA and Europe. This work then continued to expose the large-scale widespread illegal trade in these chemicals within the European Union. More recently, following a shift in smuggling activities, EIA has been investigating the growing emergence of illegal trade in ODS in Article 5 (developing) countries, and highlighting the problem of transit countries in diverting material onto the black market. The results of these investigations have been provided to the Montreal Protocol and other relevant bodies such as enforcement agencies and environmental ministries.

Enforcement Assistance

EIA is dedicated to building capacity and providing enforcement assistance, particularly in developing countries. EIA has worked in close collaboration with UNEP DTIE and has been involved in many training initiatives in Asia, Latin America and Europe to support countries in combating illegal trade in ODS. EIA has created training materials in a range of languages specifically designed to assist customs officers in their efforts.

Recently EIA has attended a number of workshops both in the Regional Ozone Network for Europe & Central Asia and associated meetings in the region more widely. At these meetings EIA has provided information, training materials and expert advice to the participants. Following a number of recent requests EIA has provided assistance to several of countries in the ECA network to create EIA-produced training documents in their own language.

Contact information

More information can be found about EIA on their website: http://www.eia-international.org which includes all EIA’s reports and briefings on the illegal trade in ODS. EIA welcomes communications and collaboration with countries on the issue of illegal trade in ODS and can be contacted by email on ukinfo@eia-international.org or by phone on + 44 20 7354 7960