News
Illegal Sri Lankan toxic waste load returned, HK importers convicted
The seized electronic waste
Two Hong Kong importers who illegally brought in a load of waste printed circuit boards from Sri Lanka as well as Bangladesh were convicted this week and fined HK$15,000 (Rs 295,000) by a magistrate on Tuesday.
The seized toxic electronic waste, classified as hazardous electronic waste in Hong Kong, has been returned to Colombo, authorities announced. The e-waste load is estimated to be worth HK$220,000 (Rs 23.93 million).
The shipments had been brought in for trading in Hong Kong or for transshipment to China. The importers were charged with contravening Hong Kong’s Waste Disposal Ordinance.
It is not known how the shipment passed through Sri Lanka Customs and the Central Environment Authority.
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department and the Customs and Excise Department intercepted two containers loaded with waste PCBs at a container terminal in September last year.
PCBs are classified as hazardous e-waste because of heavy metals, such as mercury, lead and nickel, as well as other toxic chemicals. Improper handling can be harmful to the environment and human health.
Hazardous electronic waste is regulated under the Basel Convention. The convention is implemented in Sri Lanka by the Central Environment Authority and the Ministry of Environment is also responsible. Exporters of hazardous waste are required to inform the CEA and also get written consent from the importing country.
While there are no restrictions on the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal, the Basel Convention still applies.
Sri Lanka ratified the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal in 1992. It came into effect the same year.
In Hong Kong, hazardous e-waste such as computer monitors and liquid crystal display panels are regulated under the Waste Disposal Ordinance. Permits are hardly issued by the Environmental Protection Department for imports and exports of hazardous e-waste.
Illegal importers or exporters of hazardous e-waste are liable to a maximum fine of HK$200,000 and six months’ imprisonment.
In Sri Lanka, the National Environmental (Protection and Quality) Regulations of 2008 is believed to be inadequate to regulate electronic waste. The National Environmental Act, No 47 of 1980 as amended by Act, No 56 of 1998 is the principal law related to environmental protection.