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Green List materials generally refer to non-hazardous waste that poses minimal risk to the environment and public health. These materials can include certain types of paper, plastics, metals, and other recyclables. The regulation of Green List materials is designed to facilitate their movement across borders while ensuring proper recovery and recycling.
Key Points:
Classification: Green List materials are considered less hazardous and therefore face fewer regulatory hurdles during transboundary movement.
Transboundary Movement: The movement of Green List materials is generally allowed with minimal regulatory oversight, provided that the materials are destined for recovery operations within OECD countries or regions with similar regulatory standards.
Documentation: Even though the requirements are less stringent, Green List materials still require proper documentation to confirm their classification and ensure they are not mixed with hazardous substances.
No Prior Consent Required: Unlike Amber List materials, Green List materials do not require prior informed consent (PIC) from authorities in the exporting, transit, or importing countries. However, compliance with general customs and environmental regulations is mandatory.
Regulatory Framework: The Basel Convention and the EU Waste Shipment Regulation (EC No 1013/2006) provide the primary framework governing Green List materials.
Amber List materials consist of waste that poses a higher risk to the environment and public health. This category includes certain hazardous wastes such as industrial chemicals, contaminated soils, and certain types of electronic waste. The regulations around Amber List materials are more stringent due to their potential impact.
Key Points:
Classification: Amber List materials are considered hazardous or potentially hazardous and require more rigorous control during transboundary movement.
Prior Informed Consent (PIC): The movement of Amber List materials requires prior informed consent from the relevant authorities in the exporting, transit, and importing countries. This process ensures that all parties are aware of the risks and have agreed to the conditions under which the waste will be transported and processed.
Notification Procedure: The exporter must notify the authorities of the transit and destination countries before shipment. This notification must include detailed information about the waste, such as its composition, intended destination, and disposal or recovery method.
Transport and Disposal: Amber List materials must be handled according to strict guidelines to minimise risks during transport, storage, and disposal. These include using specific packaging, labelling, and transport methods as stipulated by the Basel Convention and other relevant international agreements.
Regulatory Framework: The Basel Convention is the primary international treaty regulating the movement of hazardous waste, including Amber List materials. The EU Waste Shipment Regulation further details these regulations within the European Union.
Optimising Cross-Border Operations
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