Environment ministry's nod must to import 2nd hand computers

NEW DELHI: Concerned over dumping of e-waste like used computers in the country, the Revenue Department on Monday asked customs officials to ensure that no such goods are imported without a nod from the environment ministry.

The direction comes after the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) assumed significance in wake of reports that e-wastes such as used computers, cathode ray tube, random access memory and electrical and electronic assemblies are being dumped in a big way into the country thereby posing serious threat to environment.

"We must ensure that India does not become a destination for dumping junk electronic products," the CBEC said.

Import and export of hazardous wastes in India is regulated by the Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary) Rules, 2008.

India allows import of electrical and electronic assemblies for direct re-use and not for recycling or final disposal. Besides, as per the rule, imports of second hand computers require the permission of Environment Ministry.

"The Board desires that the field formations (officials) should carefully and strictly implement the provisions of Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary) Rules, 2008," the CBEC said.