Transboundary movement control of all e-waste under the Basel Convention

Overview

The Government intends to implement a decision under the Basel Convention  to better manage the international trade in e-waste. It is proposing to introduce regulations to do so.

Currently prior informed consent is required to import or export hazardous e-waste. 

The Government is proposing to introduce regulations so that prior informed consent is also required to import or export non-hazardous e-waste under the Imports and Exports (Restrictions) Prohibition Order (No 2) 2004.

Read the full consultation document [PDF,  1.3 MB]

What happens next

This consultation closed on 28 August 2024.

We will analyse submissions to inform policy and Government decisions. If Cabinet agrees to the proposed changes, from 1 January 2025 companies that import or export e-waste, or whose e-waste transits through New Zealand, will be required to carry out the prior informed consent procedure specified under the Basel Convention.

If you have any further questions, please email basel@mfe.govt.nz.