Brussels, 11/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - In a draft regulation unveiled on Thursday 11 July, the European Commission proposed stronger legislation on national inspections of waste shipments to ensure that all member states have similar levels of control. The new rules propose risk-based inspections to be carried out regularly by member states, with greater co-operation between authorities and better training of inspectors.
The legislation will amend EU Regulation 1013/2006 to ensure a better fight-back against illegal waste shipments to developing countries. Around 25 % of waste shipments sent from the EU to developing countries in Africa and Asia are thought to contravene international regulations. When it arrives, the waste is often dumped or mismanaged, causing serious negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Regulation 1013/2006 bans all exports of hazardous waste to non-OECD countries and all exports of waste for disposal outside the EU/EFTA, but does not contain any specific provisions on inspection planning or how inspections shall be carried out. (AN/transl.fl)