New permit control on waste import/export introduced
The Government will introduce a permit scheme with effect from September 1 to regulate the import and export of wastes in line with requirements set out in the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal.
The scheme will require waste importers/exporters to apply for a permit from the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) prior to the commencement of a waste shipment in a manner specified in the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance 1995.
A government spokesman said: "The scheme will enable us to put under proper control shipment of hazardous or contaminated waste into, from and through Hong Kong.
"At the same time it will facilitate the legitimate trade in non-hazardous waste which is contributing to conservation through waste recycling."
The spokesman said in the light of concern about the recent return of waste consignments from China, the Government was now bringing
now bringing forward the implementation date of the scheme from the end of this year to September 1.
The scheme will enable EPD to issue either a multiple-shipment permit, which is valid for a period up to 12 months, or a single shipment permit. EPD will have control on the total quantity of waste to be shipped under a multi-shipment permit.
The waste to be subject to control is set out in schedules 6 and 7 to the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Ordinance.
Wastes listed in Schedule 6 are those with minimal environmental effect and will only be subject to permit control if they are contaminated or imported or exported for purposes other than recycling, recovery or reprocessing.
Wastes listed in Schedule 7 are those likely to create a significant health hazard and risk of pollution unless properly handled, and their import and export will be subject to control regardless of purposes.
No comments yet.
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