Results of the reinforced monitoring activities against illegal export and import of wastes

As part of the activities for Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) promotion month in October, the Regional Environmental Offices have undertaken the activities to reinforce monitoring of illegal export and import of wastes in cooperation with the Customs.

1. Results of the activities to reinforce monitoring of illegal export and import of wastes
(1) Joint inspection by the Regional Environmental Offices to Customs to open cargos
For dubious cargos found by joint inspection, the Ministry of the Environment orders exporters to submit additional necessary documents and analyze chemical contents in collected samples, and conducts interviews with exporters to obtain necessary information when needed.

(2) Site investigation of cargos which were consulted through the Pre-application Consultation Service
The consistency between the submitted documents and cargos of waste tires, second-hand CRT TVs, etc which were preliminarily consulted through the Pre-application Consultation Service was confirmed.

The criteria to distinguish second-hand CRT TVs from e-wastes export has been applied since 1st September 2009. Site inspection for some of the cargos containing used CRT TVs preliminarily consulted by the Pre-application Consultation Service has been conducted during the 3R promotion month. At the site inspection, visual checked of packaging for monitor protection and storage has been conducted. The staff of the Regional Environmental Offices has inspected a functionality test when possible.

(3) Awareness-raising activities on control of export and import of wastes and the Pre-application Consultation Service
i. Distribution of brochures and other materials
-Distribution at windows of the Customs
-Panel display regarding the Basel Law at environmental exhibitions, etc
ii. PR activities at training workshops for exporters and importers
-Display and dissemination of information at Customs and the Regional Environmental Offices
-Dissemination of information to the related industry including customs agents

2. Future activities for prevention of illegal export and import of wastes
In order to prevent illegal export and import of wastes, strict border control is continued through joint investigation to open cargos, lectures at training programs for customs, etc. In addition, the next Asian Network Workshop for Prevention of Illegal Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes will be organized to strengthen collaboration among Asian countries on 27-29 January 2010.

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