A new guide from the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) is aimed at exporters of used goods. The guide is in English and shows clearly what is classified as goods and what is classified as waste and therefore illegal to export.

Used goods from industrialised countries have become increasingly sought-after commodities in some developing countries. This has also led to an increase in the export of obsolete electric and electronic equipment (e-waste), end-of-life vehicles and poor quality spare parts from Norway and other industrialized countries.

"Telling the difference between used goods and waste is not always easy", says Director General Ellen Hambro of SFT. "Our new guide clearly shows what is permitted and not in shipments of used goods. This will aid exporters in differentiating between high and poor quality used goods. It is of high importance that e-waste is collected and treated in an environmentally sound manner."

"Products may contain hazardous substances that may have serious consequences on the environment and human health", Ellen Hambro adds. "This is particularly relevant when such products end up as waste or are used in the wrong way. Shipments of such goods are therefore strictly regulated in Norway and in the EU."

The authorities in several European countries regularly inspect shipments of used products. A number of such shipments have turned out to contain goods defined as waste and have been stopped and some cases returned to the country of dispatch. Such shipments are illegal both under EU regulations and by Norwegian law (cf. Chapter 13 of the Norwegian Waste Regulations concerning transfrontier shipment of waste).

The guide can be downloaded under sft.no.

Quelle: Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT)

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