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Requirements for the import or export of hazardous waste

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In May 1992, the Basel Convention was established to protect the environment from the negative effects of improper treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes the production, management and transport of waste that may be harmful to human health and nature.Two years later, in May 1994, South Africa agreed to the Basel Convention and pledged to reduce the quantity of the country’s waste, to treat and manage waste responsibly and to restrict the movement of hazardous waste across its borders. The ministry that oversees the import and export of waste in South Africa in the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA).This cross-border transport of waste is regulated by the Convention, through prior informed consent of the DEA - therefore, any shipment of hazardous waste that does not have the consent of the DEA is deemed illegal.In 2003, the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) came into effect, monitoring and regulating all imports and exports of goods in South Africa. The DEA and ITAC reached an agreement in 2010 that all importers and exporters of hazardous waste must obtain consent from the DEA before ITAC can issue a permit.

What do you need to import and export hazardous waste?

To import hazardous waste, an entity will need the following:
  • Consent from the country of export
  • A completed notification document
  • Safety data sheets
  • Liability insurance (with validation period)
  • Sales contract or agreement
  • Waste management license of the receiving facility
The application must be lodged with the Basel Convention Competent Authority of the exporting country (which can be found on the Basel Convention website).To export hazardous waste, an entity will need the following:
  • A cover letter (with the company’s letterhead) indicating the type of waste, quantity, country of origin and the reason for the export
  • A completed notification document
  • Safety data sheets
  • Liability insurance (with validation period)
  • Sales contract or agreement
  • Any supporting documentation for the company receiving the waste, showing that they are permitted to handle waste (e.g. ISO14000, recycling certificate, etc.)
  • Waste disposal permit or license
To import or export non-hazardous waste to and from South Africa, an entity will need the following documents:
  • A cover letter (with the company’s letterhead) indicating the type of waste, quantity, country of origin and the reason for the import
  • Sales contract or agreement
  • Waste management license or operating certificate of the receiving facility
This application must be lodged with the DEA.It is important to note that the Basel Convention does not allow the trade of waste between countries that agreed to the Convention and those that did not. There are currently 186 countries in acceptance of the Convention.