Basel Convention Limits Hazardous Waste Trade

The Basel Convention, an international agreement, went into effect in May 1992 to prevent developed nations from illegally exporting hazardous waste to developing countries. The agreement arose from growing international concern over environmental pollution caused by the illegal disposal of hazardous waste as developed nations sought to circumvent their own strict regulations.

The convention aims to minimize the trade of hazardous waste, prevent illegal trafficking, and establish cooperation between exporting and importing countries. It seeks to protect the environment and support environmentally sound initiatives in developing countries.

Notably, the Basel Convention differs from many other environmental agreements by being led by the Group of 77, which includes nations from Africa and other parts of the developing world. As of now, 186 countries have ratified the convention, including South Korea in 1994 and North Korea in 2008. An amendment adding plastic waste to the list of controlled hazardous materials took effect January 1, 2021.