Transboundary Movements

The Convention imposes prior notification and consent controls on cross border shipments of covered hazardous wastes between Parties. When the Basel Ban Amendment, adopted in 1995, comes into force, trade in hazardous wastes between Parties is not allowed. Transboundary movements of hazardous wastes between Parties and non-Parties in the absence of an agreement are also prohibited.

For example, OECD members have completed an Article 11 Agreement that governs hazardous waste classifications and notice and consent procedures for shipments of waste for recycling among OECD states.Governments are obligated to ensure that waste shipments only proceed where the wastes can be managed in an “environmentally sound manner” in the countries of import.Waste trafficking is penalized and sanctions vary according to each party’s legislation.