The Environmental Protection Department will refuse any application for a permit to import hazardous waste from countries that are on the Basel Ban's banned list, under an amendment to the Waste Disposal Ordinance gazetted today.

The Basel Ban applies to hazardous waste exports to developing countries from developed countries, including Liechtenstein and:

* members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development; and

* European Community members.

The ban aims to minimise adverse impacts that flow from transporting hazardous waste from developed countries to developing countries. Since December, 1998, Hong Kong has not granted import permits for hazardous waste shipments from the banned countries, in line with the Basel Ban. 

The Waste Disposal Ordinance requires the Director of Environmental Protection to issue a permit for any hazardous waste imports or exports.

Anyone who imports or exports hazardous waste without a valid permit is liable to a $200,000 fine and six months in prison for the first offence, and to a $500,000 fine and and two years in prison for a repeat offence.

In 2004-05, the department's enforcement actions resulted in 53 prosecutions for the attempted illegal import of hazardous waste from the banned countries.

Waste types defined in amendment 

The amendment to the ordinance also defines the waste types subject to import and export control, in line with the Basel Convention's latest requirements.

Waste traders, importers and exporters are advised to take note of the amendments and refuse to accept or be involved in any shipment order to import hazardous waste from the banned countries.

The relevant regulatory control requirements are available at the department's website. Questions? Call the department's hotline, 2755 5462.