PRESS RELEASE - January 21, 2004

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has passed new regulations to govern the trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes in Jamaica’s jurisdiction. The Natural Resources Conservation (Hazardous Wastes) and (Control of Trans-boundary Movements) Regulations, 2002, marks Jamaica’s accession to the Basel Convention. The regulations define the categories of wastes, types, and or characteristics which are considered hazardous and are therefore controlled.

Under the Regulations, the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)/ the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), which has been designated the competent Authority, is responsible for the issuance of export and transit permits of hazardous waste materials. Persons wishing to export or ship hazardous wastes from, or through Jamaica’s jurisdiction are required to apply to the Authority in writing, complete the relevant forms, submit any necessary documentation as may be required and pay a prescribed fee. Forms can be obtained from the Applications Secretariat Branch of NEPA.

Recently, the GOJ also decided not to allow the importation of hazardous wastes into Jamaica. Importation of hazardous wastes into an area under Jamaica’s jurisdiction is therefore, illegal. It is also, illegal offence to export, or transport hazardous wastes through any area under Jamaica’s jurisdiction without a permit issued by NEPA. This also applies in cases where the terms and conditions of such a permit are contravened. Persons found guilty of such offences are liable for conviction before a Resident Magistrate (RM).

The Ministry of Land and Environment (MLE) has been designated Jamaica’s focal point under the Basel Convention. In this capacity, the Ministry is required to communicate information on the country’s implementation of the Convention, to the Basel Convention Secretariat, annually.

The Basel Convention is a legally binding agreement which came as a response by the international community to the problems created by the world-wide production of millions of tons of wastes. These wastes are hazardous to people or the environment because they are toxic, explosive, corrosive, flammable, eco-toxic or infectious. The Convention was adopted in 1989 and became effective on May 5, 1992.

The Convention’s seeks to control trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes, monitor and prevent illegal trafficking and provides assistance for environmentally sound management of these wastes. It also seeks to promote cooperation in the hazardous waste management field and development of Technical Guidelines for the management of hazardous wastes through the control of trans-boundary movement.

Further information regarding the Regulations and instructions for the export or shipment of hazardous wastes, can be obtained from the Applications Secretariat at: 754-7543/ 46 – 51, ext. NEPA or visit NEPA’s website at www.nepa.gov.jm.