New regulations determined at the UN Basel Convention 2017

Basel,  May 2017

At the UN Basel Convention 2017 the United Nations decided to redefine the international guidelines for transboundary movement of used parts.

Within the framework of the UN Basel Convention [BC], signed by 181 Nations, binding guidelines for transboundary movement of used parts are developed. BC follows the idea, that defect parts are waste. Within the today valid version of BC, used electrical/electronic parts intended to be repaired, refurbished or remanufactured, independently if functional or non-functional, can be declared as non-waste and can be transported without restrictions.

On request of India and supported by several developing countries, BC decided to redefine major sections of the framework on their last 13th high level assembly “Conversance of the parties” [COP] in Geneva in May 2017. Due to the intervention of several industry associations, an unlimited participation  at the related BC working group is approved for observer.

There is a realistic risk, that a declaration of defect parts as waste could become worldwide mandatory, creating a huge additional burden for circular economy. On the other side, there is the chance to adapt BC guidelines to the demands of circular economy.

The Circular Economy Solutions GmbH is actively supporting activities of industry associations to ensure, that the demands of circular economy including repair, refurbishment and remanufacturing are respected in the upcoming process of redefinition international guidelines for transboundary movement of used parts.

For more information: www.basel.int