Charges Laid Over Electronic Waste Exports

The Ministry of Economic Development has laid fourteen charges in relation to the export of hazardous electronic waste, including the attempted export of waste collected at eDay 2009.

Under the Import and Exports (Restrictions) Act, two charges were laid against SMT Ltd and two charges against its director Alex Hong (also known as Steven Ansley) for attempted export of hazardous waste from New Zealand without the required permit.

In addition, Alex Hong is personally charged with ten offences under the Crimes Act of fraudulently using a document to gain pecuniary advantage.

The Crimes Act charges relate to documents provided to the Ministry of Economic Development by Mr Hong. These would have allowed used electronic goods to leave New Zealand without a permit, on the basis that they were intended for re-use, rather than recycling. Electronic goods exported for recycling or disposal are classed as hazardous and require permits for export, while electronic goods exported for re-use do not.

The Ministry began investigating the exports in September after receiving information that hazardous electronic waste, including that collected at eDay 2009, may be exported without the correct permits.

A court date has been set for 15 March 2010. The Ministry will be making no further comment while the case is before the Court.

The Ministry reminds all exporters of electronic waste that they may require a permit from MED, depending on the nature of the waste and export destination.

International rules on the transport of hazardous waste are set under the Basel Convention, to which New Zealand is a signatory.

ENDS

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