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Importer convicted for fifth time for importing hazardous electronic waste from Indonesia (with photos)
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     A local importer, Yee Chung Logistic Company Limited, illegally imported hazardous electronic waste (e-waste) from Indonesia and was fined $22,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (November 27) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO). The company had previously been convicted four times for importing hazardous e-waste from Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia and Korea, and the latest fine of $50,000 was handed down on November 6.
      
     With the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff intercepted an imported container from Indonesia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in May this year. The container was claimed to contain integrated circuits, but upon inspection it was found to be loaded with hazardous e-waste of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), with a total market value of about $500,000. The EPD immediately returned the intercepted container to its place of origin and notified the relevant local authority to follow-up. The department also instigated prosecution against the importer in accordance with the WDO. 
      
     An EPD spokesman stressed that waste PCBs are hazardous e-waste, containing various heavy metals and other toxic chemical substances. They are classified as chemical waste and are regulated under the existing laws on chemical waste disposal. To protect the environment, the EPD rigorously combats the illegal import and export activities of hazardous waste.
      
     The spokesman reminded importers of the waste recycling trade not to illegally import (including import into or transshipment through Hong Kong) or export hazardous waste. According to the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to import or export hazardous waste without obtaining a valid permit beforehand. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.
      
     Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.
 
Ends/Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Issued at HKT 15:20
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The Environmental Protection Department staff intercepted an imported container from Indonesia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in May this year and found that it was loaded with hazardous e-waste comprising waste printed circuit boards, with a total market value of about $500,000. Photo shows some of the hazardous e-waste.
The Environmental Protection Department staff intercepted an imported container from Indonesia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in May this year and found that it was loaded with hazardous e-waste comprising waste printed circuit boards, with a total market value of about $500,000. Photo shows some of the hazardous e-waste.
The Environmental Protection Department staff intercepted an imported container from Indonesia at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in May this year and found that it was loaded with hazardous e-waste comprising waste printed circuit boards, with a total market value of about $500,000. Photo shows some of the hazardous e-waste.