Basel Convention

Basel Convention is international treaty controlling the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste exports.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that controls the transboundary movement of hazardous waste, including e-waste exports.

Established in 1989 and entering into force on May 5. 1992, the Basel Convention aims to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. The convention focuses on reducing the production of hazardous and other wastes across the globe while ensuring their environmentally sound management. When it comes to e-waste, the treaty restricts developed countries from exporting waste electronics to developing nations that lack proper infrastructure for handling such materials safely.

According to the European Parliament, less than 1% of rare earth elements in e-waste are currently recycled.

For instance, a company in Germany wants to dispose of old computers containing toxic substances like lead and mercury. Under the Basel Convention, this firm must ensure that these electronics aren't shipped off to a country without adequate recycling facilities to handle them properly. Instead, they should find local recycling centers that adhere to environmental standards set by international agreements.

Why does this matter for you as a consumer or business owner? If your company sends e-waste overseas without checking whether the recipient country has the means to manage it safely, you risk violating national and international laws. This could lead to hefty fines and damage your brand's reputation. Plus, improperly handled waste can cause severe environmental pollution and health issues for workers in developing countries who lack protective equipment.

The Basel Convention ties into other key concepts like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which encourages manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including disposal. Additionally, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) complements these efforts by setting collection targets for e-waste in European countries.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

As of 2021, there are 189 parties to the Basel Convention, covering nearly every country on Earth except North Korea and the United States. This widespread adoption highlights its importance in managing global waste responsibly and sustainably.

Sources

• European Parliament
• WHO