Import and Export of Waste

A permit control scheme on the import and export of waste under the
Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) (Cap. 354) came into operation on
September 1, 1996. The scheme is fully in line with the letter and spirit of
the Basle Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal which provides a framework for
controlling the movement of such wastes.

The main control mechanism under the convention is the effect a system
of prior notification and consent by the authorities of the states of import,
export and transit before the commencement of shipments of hazardous
or non-recyclable waste. The import of hazardous or non-recyclable
waste without a permit, regardless of the purpose of the import, is an
offence under the WDO. Maximum penalties are a fine of $200,000 and
six months imprisonment for the first offence and $500,000 and two
years for subsequent offences.

[Back] [Forward]