Ban on e-waste imports effective today

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The importation of electronic waste (e-waste) into Malaysia has been officially gazetted as an absolute prohibition effective today, under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.

The Customs Department said the ban was enforced through the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2026 [P.U.(A) 151/2026], which came into force on April 1, in accordance with Subsection 31(1) of the Customs Act.

Customs director-general Datuk Seri Amran Ahmad said the move places e-waste under the First Schedule of prohibited imports, effectively barring its entry into the country.

"The decision aligns with outcomes from the Special Task Force on the Enforcement Management Roadmap for Plastic and E-Waste Imports, as part of broader efforts to tighten controls on hazardous waste entering Malaysia and to safeguard the environment," he said in a statement.

He added that enforcement would be strengthened through closer cooperation with agencies including the Department of Environment (DoE) and the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA).

"This will ensure strict and effective enforcement of the ban," he said.

Amran said enforcement efforts would focus on preventing the entry of scheduled waste, particularly e-waste, in line with Malaysia's commitments under the Basel Convention.

The move follows earlier discussions at a special task force meeting, where a proposal for a three-month moratorium on plastic waste imports was also raised.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), which chaired the meeting, stressed the need for coordinated enforcement across agencies.

Its chief commissioner, Azam Baki, said firm action was essential to ensure the effectiveness of the ban.

"E-waste is no longer allowed to enter the country. Enforcement must be carried out firmly, involving all agencies," he said previously.

Courtesy: www.nst.com.my