5.5.6 Strategic Approach to International Management of Chemicals

5.5.6(1)
At the first review of the SAICM there was a strong focus on Extended Producer Responsibility issues, particularly with respect to nano-technology, chemicals in products, lead in paint, and hazardous chemicals arising from e-Waste. South Africa is often on the receiving end of sales or “donations” of electronic goods nearing the end of their productive life-cycle, which is tantamount to the import of e-Waste. This represents a dual challenge, both in terms of regulation of imports, and developing local processing capacity for e-Waste. The SAICM is considering the possibility of amending the Basel Convention to take cognisance of the situation with respect to the export of used electronic products to developing countries that do not have the technical capacity to safely process the e-Waste that inevitably results.