Government allows SEZ units to import solid plastic waste to recycle

In Indian Affairs
July 16, 2016

Government has allowed companies located in special economic zones (SEZs) to import solid plastic waste.The Environment Ministry has permitted the import by amending the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.

The government had notified ‘Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016’ in April for better management, handling and trans-boundary movement of hazardous and other wastes.

As per this pact , SEZ units can import plastic or mixed plastic waste prepared to a specification.

the government will not permit imports of hazardous and other wastes from any country to India for disposal but will be allowed only for recycling, recovery, reuse and utilisation, including co-processing.

Import of listed hazardous waste would be allowed to actual users with prior informed consent of the exporting country and that will require the permission of the Environment Ministry.

The import of solid plastic waste at column (2) against Basel Number B3010 in Schedule VI, excluding post consumer wastes, is permitted to units in SEZs notified by the central government,” the ministry said in a notification.

Special economic zone(SEZ)

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is an area in which business and trade laws differ from the rest of the country. SEZs are located within a country’s national borders, and their aims include: increased trade, increased investment, job creation and effective administration.

The creation of special economic zones by the host country may be motivated by the desire to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
The operating definition of a SEZ is determined individually by each country. In some countries the zones have been criticized for being little more than Chinese labor camps, with workers denied fundamental labor right