[history] #47 Japan's Illegal Transport under the Basel Convention - from 1998 to present

Detailed History of Illegal Transport under the Basel Convention
#### 1990s: Adoption of the Basel Convention and Japan's Response
The Basel Convention, adopted in 1989 and implemented in 1992, aimed to regulate the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. Japan joined the convention in 1993, initiating efforts to strengthen waste management. In 1998, a meeting in Kuching, Malaysia, discussed export restrictions for recyclable hazardous waste. However, no consensus was reached, and Japan imported 12466 tons of etching waste and spent catalysts that year.
#### 2000s: Increase in Electronic Waste and Strengthening of Regulations
In the 2000s, the import of electronic waste (E-waste) from Southeast Asian countries increased. DOWA Group's Kosaka Smelting and Mitsubishi Materials' Naoshima Smelter played key roles in recycling waste containing lead, copper, and silver. By 2005, the import volume reached 14637 tons, highlighting the importance of waste management, though illegal transport remained a significant challenge.
#### 2010s: Amendment of the Basel Law and Simplification of Import Procedures
In 2018, Japan amended its Basel Law, introducing a pre-consent mechanism to expedite the import of waste to environmentally conscious recycling facilities. As a result, the import of items like printed circuit boards (PCBs) and used batteries became smoother, and the number of regulated items was reduced. Companies such as Mitsubishi Materials and JX Metals expanded their capacity to handle hazardous waste containing lead and mercury.
#### 2020s: Strengthening Monitoring and International Cooperation against Illegal Transport
In the 2020s, Japan enhanced cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and strengthened its monitoring system against illegal transport. In 2020, 72112 tons of hazardous waste were imported, with much of it processed at facilities like Mitsubishi Materials' Naoshima Smelter and JX Metals' Hitachi Smelter. Additionally, issues such as fires and odors from improper electronic waste management have arisen, prompting the government to increase enforcement efforts.
Through these efforts, Japan aims to balance efficient waste management with environmental conservation, complying with the Basel Convention and advancing technologies that contribute to global environmental protection.