EPD successfully prosecutes five importers for illegal import of hazardous electronic waste (with photos)

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) successfully intercepted five cases of illegal import of hazardous electronic waste (e-waste) from Peru, Egypt, the Philippines and the Mainland at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. The five importers concerned, namely Fu Yang Agency Limited, Guang Yi Company Limited, Hong Kong Heng Da Technology Limited, Liquid International (HK) Limited and Leung Kee Recycle Limited, were convicted on February 12 and 19 and today (February 26) at Fanling Magistrates' Courts for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) and fined a total of $213,000.

     The EPD has all along been taking strict enforcement action in combating illegal import of hazardous e-waste. With the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, the EPD intercepted six marine containers at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in July and August last year. The containers were claimed to contain waste plastics, computer parts and monitors, and more. After inspection, they were found to be loaded with hazardous e-waste including waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), waste flat panel displays (FPDs) and waste batteries, with a total market value of about $1.3 million. The EPD immediately returned the intercepted containers to their places of origin and notified the foreign enforcement authorities concerned about the return shipments. The department also instigated prosecutions against the five importers concerned in accordance with the WDO.

     An EPD spokesman stressed that waste PCBs, FPDs and batteries are hazardous e-waste, containing various heavy metals and other toxic chemical substances. They are classified as chemical waste and are regulated under the existing laws on chemical waste disposal. The EPD will continue to rigorously combat the illegal import and export activities of hazardous waste to protect the environment.

     The spokesman reminded importers of the waste recycling trade not to illegally import (including import into or transshipment through Hong Kong) or export hazardous waste. According to the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to import or export hazardous waste without obtaining a valid permit beforehand. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.
 
     Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.