Waste shipment out of Japan for treatment in European world-class facilities

Committee:
Materials
status:
Some progress
Published:
The notification process of Basel waste takes longer in Japan than in other countries. This is mostly due to review time of the documents needed for the notification. This is the reason the Basel waste shipment in Japan takes more than double compared to other countries. It is unique to Japan, involving two ministries: the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Environment (MOE). While METI reviews in a timely manner, MOE usually takes about two months review the application, even when all the documents are complete.

Recommendations

  • The authorities, especially MoE, should speed up the review of the application, including supporting documents, to bring it to an acceptable level similar to the speed of other
  • Review Japanese system for waste classification to enable a closed loop system for scarce metals between Japan and Europe.
  • A fast-track system between Japan and Europe should be implemented for pre-authorised facilities.