At the beginning of the year, the Basel Convention expanded the scope of end-of-life electronics it regulates. The new language broadens the definition of what is considered e-scrap, but the new regulations are creating issues for metals in Thailand.
The Basel Amendments
This change was initially announced in 2022, when the Basel Convention published several proposed amendments to the convention that would drastically alter how end-of-life exports are managed. The changes took effect at the start of 2025 and included the reclassification of certain materials that were not classified as hazardous at the time, and the expansion of the definition of “waste” under the convention, including devices being prepared for reuse.
Confusion Over E-Scrap Coverage
Now, six months into the new regulatory standards, Thailand is experiencing confusion with shipments for a wider array of metals, including automotive scrap materials, and what exactly is considered scrap material. Many governments are experiencing similar confusion due to “interpreting the e-waste amendments too broadly and mistakenly including recycled and recyclable non-ferrous metals in the scope of the control mechanisms,” according to ReMA.
ReMa President Robin Wiener explained that the association has heard from scrap metal members that exports of shredded mixed non-ferrous metals, insulated copper wire, and electric motors are being rejected for import into Thailand, where most of the scrap metal confusion is concentrated.
“These products are traded internationally under the globally-recognized ISRI Specifications, which are managed by the Recycled Materials Association,” ReMA said in a briefing. “These materials are specifically categorized as non-ferrous metals and not as electronics materials, for which they are distinct specifications.”
The confusion has resulted in 100-200 containers of recycled material stuck at ports in Malaysia, and a refusal from shipping line Maersk to carry recycled commodities into Thailand until the issue is resolved. ReMA visited Thailand, along with the Bureau of International Recycling, last week to address the issues, but no resolution has been reached as of yet.
ReMA’s Vice President of International Trade and Global Affairs, Adam Shaffer, recently met with Thailand’s Minister of Commercial Affairs.
“We are currently engaging with the U.S. State and Commerce Departments, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about pushing for a diplomatic solution to address these trade challenges impacting U.S. exporters of recycled nonferrous metals,” Shaffer said.
The Importance of E-Scrap Disposal
Electronic scrap is more than just waste; it’s hazardous to the environment and human health if not disposed of correctly. When e-scrap ends up in landfills, chemicals are released into the soil, polluting the surrounding water supply and potentially harming animals and residents in the area. This is why partnering with an ITAD provider for sustainable solutions is critical. Few businesses have disposition plans for retired IT assets, which can lead to poor e-waste management. Electronics recycling is the safest, most environmentally friendly manner of disposal for these hazardous materials, and ITAD facilities like HOBI offer more than just recycling.
As an R2v3, RIOS, and ISO 14001 certified IT asset management and disposition provider, HOBI prioritizes environmental safety in every step of the disposition process and works to reduce the pollution and contamination produced by e-waste via electronics recycling.
For more information about our ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.