Search

New EPA Hazardous Waste Import/Export Regulations Finalized

Posted on 10/28/2016 by Roger Marks

On October 28, 2016, US EPA announced it will soon publish a Final Rule to revise the US hazardous waste import and export requirements. 

Under the Final Rule, EPA’s requirements for transboundary hazardous waste shipments will be more consistent with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) import-export rules. Because nearly all import-export shipments of hazardous waste in and out of the US originate or are destined for other OECD nations, conforming the RCRA import-export rules at 40 CFR 262, Subpart H to OECD requirements is a logical step from EPA’s point of view.

Originally proposed about one year ago, the Final Rule will also:
  • Require shippers to electronically submit export- and import-related documents, like export notices and export annual reports, to EPA.
  • Require electronic validation of consent in the US Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Export System (AES) for export shipments subject to RCRA export consent requirements. 

The updated import/export rules will apply to all transboundary hazardous waste shipments, including RCRA hazardous wastes that may be managed under alternative standards—universal waste sent for recycling or disposal, spent lead-acid batteries (SLABs), recyclable materials shipped for precious metals recovery, and hazardous waste samples bigger than 25 kg shipped for characterization or treatability studies. 

The revisions in the Final Rule will not affect existing bilateral agreements between the US and Canada, the US and Mexico, or the import-only bilateral agreements between the US and Malaysia, Costa Rica, and the Philippines.  

Who Will the New Hazardous Waste Import/Export Rules Affect?

Hazardous waste import and export requirementsThe new Final Rule will primarliy affect four groups:
  1. Persons who export or import hazardous waste for recycling or disposal,
  2. Recycling and disposal facilities who receive hazardous waste imports,
  3. Persons who arrange for the export of conditionally excluded Cathode Ray Tues (CRTs) for recycling, and
  4. Persons who transport any of the export/import shipments described above.
The Final Rule will be effective December 31, 2016. A pre-publication copy is available at EPA’s website, here.

Next Live RCRA Refresher Training: November 15!

Join us for the live, expert-led RCRA Refresher Webinar on November 15. Cross annual hazardous waste training off of your list and take away resources to help simplify your RCRA hazardous waste job responsibilities. Plus, get a full year of Lion Membership for fast answers to your compliance questions, exclusive content, and online access to critical RCRA resources and regulation updates. 

Tags: EPA, hazardous waste, new rules, RCRA

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

I was able to present my scenario to the instructor and worked thru the regulations together. In the past, I attended another training firm's classes. Now, I have no intention of leaving Lion!

Diana Joyner

Senior Environmental Engineer

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

The instructor was probably the best I ever had! He made the class enjoyable, was humorous at times, and very knowledgeable.

Mary Sue Michon

Environmental Administrator

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

Very well structured, comprehensive, and comparable to live training seminars I've participated in previously. I will recommend the online course to other colleagues with training requirement needs.

Neil Luciano

EHS Manager

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

The instructor had knowledge of regulations and understanding of real-world situations. The presentation style was engaging and fostered a positive atmosphere for information sharing.

Linda Arlen

Safety & Environmental Compliance Officer

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

This report details major changes for hazardous waste generators from US EPA’s Generator Improvements Rule, as well as the latest updates from states that are still working to adopt new, stricter Federal requirements.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.