Overview of Export of E-waste

The deserted electronic products like computers, equipment used in Information and Communication Technology, audio and video products etc., are known as e-waste or electronic waste. E-waste has grown tremendously in India as the IT sector has enhanced electronic equipment use.

E-waste has multiple substances like heavy, precious metals, plastics, etc., which can be toxic and harmful ecologically and can cause harm to humans if not handled or managed correctly. Essentially, the E-Waste is made up of metals, plastics and glass, which, when salvaged, give precious metals like copper, iron, tin, lead, zinc, silver, and gold. Moreover, the printed circuit boards comprise rare and precious metals like ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, etc.

To deal in the export of e-waste, you need to obtain permission from MoEF (Ministry of Environment and Forest) and SPCB (State Pollution Control Board). The Ministry of Environment and Forest is the sole authority that deals with issuing approval for the export of e-waste from India.

Indian Management System for E-Waste

The E-waste Management System in India is regulated under the Environment and Forests Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2008. The E-waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2010 were also enacted to ensure safe and environmentally friendly handling, collection, segregation, dismantling, storage, recycling, transportation, and disposal of e-waste and to reduce the usage of hazardous substances during the manufacturing of electrical and electronic equipment.

Enforcement Agencies Involved in E-Waste Management

The following are the enforcement agencies involved in e-waste management in India:

. Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB).
. Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
. Port Authorities and Customs Authorities under the Customs Act, 1962.

Eligibility Criteria for a License for Export of E-Waste

The following entities are eligible to apply for permission or a license from the MoEF as specified under Schedule:

1. E-Waste Producers
2. E-Waste Dismantlers
3. E-Waste Refurbishers
4. E-Waste Manufacturers
5. Mass Quantity Consumers of Electronic Devices
6. E-Waste Collection Organizations

List of E-Wastes Eligible for Export

The list of waste applicable for export includes:

1. Metal and metal alloy wastes in metallic, non-dispersible form.
2. Metal and metal-bearing waste comprising alloys of antimony, cadmium, lead, and tellurium.
3. Waste with constituents such as antimony compounds, cadmium compounds, lead compounds, and tellurium compounds.
4. Waste with metal carbonyls.
5. Galvanic sludge.
6. Waste liquors from the pickling of metals.
7. Leaching residues from zinc processing, dust, and sludges like jarosite, hematite, etc.
8. Waste zinc residues.
9. Waste electrical and electronic assemblies or scrap.
10. Wastes containing principally inorganic constituents, which can contain metals and organic materials.
11. Clean, uncontaminated metal scrap, including alloys, in bulk finished form (sheet, plates, beams, rods, etc.).
12. Molybdenum, tungsten, titanium, niobium, tantalum, and rhenium metal and metal alloy waste in metallic dispersible form (metal powder).
13. Mixed non-ferrous metal, heavy fraction scrap with cadmium, antimony, lead, and tellurium.
14. Precious metal-bearing residues in the form of solids with traces of inorganic cyanides.
15. Wastes from mining operations in non-dispersible form.
16. Glass wastes in non-dispersible form.
17. Calcium fluoride sludge.
18. Used multifunction print and copying machines.

Documents for Export of E-Waste

The following documents are required for obtaining a license for e-waste exportation:

1. Permission Certificate / License from MoEF for export of e-waste
2. NOC from MoEF
3. Consent Letter from SPCB

Registration Procedure of Export of E-Waste

The following process must be followed:

1. Anyone intending to export e-waste should apply to the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
2. For obtaining permission to export e-waste, the applicant needs to have a physical presence in India for their business.
3. The applicant must obtain an NOC from MoEF and SPCB.
4. A prior informed consent in writing from the importing country is necessary to export waste from India.
5. The Ministry of Environment and Forests will forward a copy of the permission granted to the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) and the Pollution Control Board of the State where the port of export is situated.
6. The exporter must ensure that no consignment is shipped before a prior informed consent is received from the importing country.
7. The exporter must ensure that a movement document in Form 6 accompanies the shipment.
8. The exporter must maintain records of the e-waste exported.

What is the validity of the NOC provided by MoEF?

The validity of a NOC (No Objection Certificate) provided by the MoEF lasts until the validity of the Consent Letter issued by the respective State’s SPCB, which varies from state to state.

Violation of Laws set for Export of E-Waste

The export of e-waste from India shall be deemed illegal if:

1. It is done without permission from the Central Government.
2. The permission has been obtained through falsification, misrepresentation, or fraud.
3. It does not conform to the shipping details specified in the movement documents.
4. It results in deliberate disposal (dumping) of hazardous waste, violating the Basel Convention and other laws.

How Can Fastzeal Assist You?

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Our clients can also track at all times the progress on our platform. If you have any questions about the process of getting required documents for e-waste exportation, our experienced representatives are just a phone call away. Fastzeal will ensure that your communication with professionals is positive and seamless.

Steps to Get Expert Assistance from Fastzeal

1. Purchase a Plan for Expert Assistance
2. Add Queries Regarding E-Waste Exportation
3. Provide Documents to Fastzeal Expert
4. Prepare Application for E-Waste Exportation + Complete all Admissibility Criteria for Preliminary Screening
5. Complete Procedural Actions
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