Thailand Ponders Ban on E-Waste Imports

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Thailand Department of Industrial Works (DIW) has announced its decision to prohibit recycling factories from importing certain types of e-waste that cause dangerous environmental pollution. The decision follows the nationwide inspection carried out by DIW officials and police last week at e-waste recycling facilities. The ban will be applicable only to certain categories of used electronic waste, the Department noted.

The recent inspection covered 148 facilities across the country. This included seven authorized factories that possess clear license to import e-waste from abroad. The inspection revealed that several of the facilities were involved in illegal import and processing of e-waste. Most of them were found to be using a legal loophole that permits imports of second hand electronic appliances. Also, five out of seven licensed companies were found importing types of e-wastes that are not permitted as per license. Moreover, some of them were found shipping the e-waste to factories that use primitive techniques to handle them, which ultimately results in release of toxic chemicals.

As per rules of the country, electronic waste can only be imported to Thailand with advance approval from authorities. In addition, the imports must be approved by the authorities in the source country in accordance with the Basel Convention. The approval will be granted to only those factories who certify that the imports will be used as raw material only and that they will not be resold.

The DIW has decided to conduct strict inspection of all the 148 e-waste recycling facilities. Strict action will be taken against all violators of law. The proposed action includes revoking the import license. In the long run, DIW plans to ban imports of certain categories of e-waste with potential negative impacts.

A per estimates, Thailand legally imports approximately 53,000 tonnes of e-waste every year.