### A Detailed History of Illegal Shipments in Violation of the Basel Convention

### A Detailed History of Illegal Shipments in Violation of the Basel Convention #### The 1990s: Adoption of the Basel Convention and Japan’s Response Adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, the Basel Convention aimed to regulate the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Japan acceded to the Convention in 1993 and began strengthening its waste management measures. At a conference held in Kuching, Malaysia, in 1998, regulations on the export of hazardous waste for recycling purposes were discussed, but no agreement was reached, and Japan imported 12,466 tons of etching waste liquid and spent catalysts. #### 2000s: Increase in E-Waste and Strengthened Regulations In the 2000s, Japan saw an increase in imports of electronic waste (e-waste) from Southeast Asian countries. The Kosaka Smelter of the DOWA Group and the Naoshima Smelter of Mitsubishi Materials played key roles as recycling hubs for waste containing lead, copper, and silver. Imports reached 14,637 tons in 2005, highlighting the growing importance of waste management, but the risk of illegal shipments also became a major challenge. #### 2010s: Revision of the Basel Convention and Simplification of Import Procedures In 2018, Japan amended the Basel Convention to expedite imports to environmentally sound recycling facilities under the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) mechanism. This amendment facilitated the import of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and used batteries, and increased the number of waste items exempt from regulation. Mitsubishi Materials and JX Metal further expanded their processing capabilities for hazardous waste containing lead and mercury. #### 2020s: Strengthened Monitoring of Illegal Shipments and International Cooperation In the 2020s, Japan strengthened cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and established a monitoring system to combat illegal shipments. In 2020, 72,112 tons of hazardous waste were imported, much of which was properly processed at Mitsubishi Materials’ Naoshima Smelter and JX Metal’s Hitachi Smelter. Additionally, issues such as fires and foul odors caused by the improper disposal of electronic scrap have arisen, prompting the government to step up enforcement against illegal shipments. Through these efforts, Japan aims to balance the efficiency of waste management with environmental conservation. While complying with regulations under the Basel Convention, the country is advancing technological development to contribute to global environmental conservation.