Understanding Basel Convention Rules in 2025
The Basel Convention is a global treaty that regulates the movement of hazardous wastes across national borders to protect human health and the environment. Over time, it has evolved to address new challenges — and in 2025, significant changes specifically affect electrical and electronic waste (e-waste).
What Changed in 2025?
All e-waste is now regulated under the Basel Convention
Previously, only hazardous e-waste was strictly controlled. But from 1 January 2025, both hazardous and non-hazardous electronic and electrical waste (and their components) are subject to the Convention’s rules.
New waste codes and listings
A new hazardous e-waste code, A1181, replaces the older code A1180 for wastes considered hazardous.
Non-hazardous e-waste is now listed under Y49, making it also controlled (and no longer excluded by earlier “non-hazardous” listings).
Old listings B1110 and B4030 (for certain types of e-waste) have been deleted.
Prior Informed Consent (PIC) requirement expands
Now, any transboundary shipment (export/import) of e-waste must comply with the PIC procedure. That means the exporting country must notify, and the importing (and possibly any transit) countries must give written consent before shipment occurs.
This applies even for non-hazardous e-waste, which before 2025 was often less regulated.
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Stricter documentation, classification, and control
Exporters now need to provide detailed documentation — including contracts, transport routes, and correct classification of waste.
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Some formerly “used electronics” intended for direct reuse, if not properly certified, may now be treated as waste under these rules.
Binding for almost all Parties (unless explicitly opted out)
The amendments bind all Parties to the Basel Convention, except those that formally notified non-acceptance before 1 January 2025.
