Hong Kong Customs detects electronic waste export case worth about $40 million involving ocean-going vessel (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs on September 23 seized a large batch of electronic waste, with an estimated market value of about $40 million, at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. The electronic waste was suspected to be illegally exported to Malaysia by an ocean-going vessel. 

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs earlier identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for Malaysia for inspection. Subsequently, Customs officers took enforcement action on September 23 and seized a large batch of electronic waste aboard the vessel, including different types of batteries, without an export permit. The batch had an estimated market value of about $40 million.

     The case was handed over to the Environmental Protection Department for investigation.

     According to the Waste Disposal Ordinance, 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 month's imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a fine of $500,000 and two year's imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).