Control on Import and Export of Waste
The Control Scheme
The Waste Disposal Ordinance
The Waste Disposal Ordinance ("WDO") , Chapter 354, Laws of Hong Kong, is the local legislation effecting control on waste import and export operations. It is enforced by the EPD.
Under the WDO, the import into or export from Hong Kong of
(a) any waste of a kind specified in the Sixth Schedule, unless the waste is uncontaminated and is imported or exported for the purpose of a reprocessing, recycling or recovery operation or the reuse of the waste;
(b) any waste of a kind specified in the Seventh Schedule or column 2 of Part 2 of Schedule 7A, or not specified in the Sixth Schedule; or;
(c) any container waste that does not fall within the description of paragraph (a) or (b),
requires a permit.
A person who import/export controlled waste without a permit commits an offence. A first offence could be fined a maximum of up to HK$200,000 plus a 6-month prison term. A repeated offence could be fined up to HK$500,000 plus a 2-year prison term.
The relevant amendments to the Basel Convention regarding the control of transboundary movement of electrical and electronic waste have been incorporated in the existing provisions of the WDO. From 1 January 2025, import and export of electronical and electronic waste are subject to the above import / export permit control.
[ Important Note : "Disposal" of imported waste is prohibited ! ]
