New international classification of E-Waste as hazardous waste

web24201
Oct 21
2 min read

Starting January 2025, all E-Waste is classified as hazardous waste (A1181) under the Basel Convention. Learn about the new requirements and penalties.

Regulatory update: E-Waste is now classified as hazardous waste

As of January 1, 2025, all electronic waste or scrap (E-Waste / E-Scrap) is officially classified as hazardous waste (A1181) in accordance with the Basel Convention.

This update removes the previous codes B1110 and B4030, introducing new international standards for the declaration and transport of these materials.

What is considered E-Waste or E-Scrap?

E-Waste refers to used, obsolete, or end-of-life electronic equipment that is exported or imported for recycling, disposal, or recovery.Common examples include:

Printed circuit boards
Electronic components
Cables
Recovered electronic or electrical equipment

International classification of E-Waste

OECD (Americas): GC020

Basel Convention (Global): A1181

European Union (Europe):

16 02 09* Transformers and capacitors containing PCB
16 02 10* Discarded equipment containing PCB (other than 16 02 09)
16 02 11* Discarded equipment containing CFC, HCFC, or HFC
16 02 12* Discarded equipment containing free asbestos
16 02 13* Discarded equipment containing hazardous components
16 02 15* Hazardous components removed from discarded equipmentdos

Mandatory transport requirements

Prior approval from Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA)All shipments must obtain approval from the environmental agencies of the origin, transit, transshipment, and destination countries.
Export, transit, and transshipment via China and Hong Kong are strictly prohibited.
Booking identificationAll bookings must use Maersk’s official description:002810 – Waste / scrap for recycling or disposal.
Valid EPA permits before loadingA valid EPA permit must be presented prior to cargo acceptance.

Penalties and responsibilities

Any shipment misdeclared or lacking documentation will be considered misdeclared or undeclared hazardous waste, subject to a USD 5,000 fine.
If a shipment is detained by customs authorities, the customer will bear all related costs, fines, return, and storage expenses.
A material’s “non-waste” classification must be recognized by all countries involved, not only by the country of origin (e.g., the United States or South Korea).