Government allows SEZ units to import solid plastic waste

NEW DELHI: Government has allowed companies located in special economic zones (SEZs) to import solid plastic waste.

The Environment Ministry has permitted the import by amending the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

"The import of solid plastic waste at column (2) against Basel Number B3010 in Schedule VI, excluding post consumer wastes, is permitted to units in SEZs notified by the central government," the ministry said in a notification.

SEZ units can import plastic or mixed plastic waste prepared to a specification, it added.

The government had notified ' Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016' in April for better management, handling and trans-boundary movement of hazardous and other wastes.

As per the rules specified, the government will not permit imports of hazardous and other wastes from any country to India for disposal but will be allowed only for recycling, recovery, reuse and utilisation, including co-processing.

Import of listed hazardous waste would be allowed to actual users with prior informed consent of the exporting country and that will require the permission of the Environment Ministry.