Thailand Bans Metal and Rubber Scrap Imports to Curb E-Waste
Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade has requested a comprehensive ban on metal and rubber scrap imports to stop illegal electronic waste dumping, following discoveries of illicit e-waste facilities causing pollution and health risks. The Pollution Control Department will draft control measures with a 6-12 month transition period for legitimate importers under strict conditions, after which the Ministry of Commerce will issue a formal announcement to enforce the ban.
The Department of Foreign Trade is employing strict trade measures to block illegal waste imports, coordinating with the Pollution Control Department to prevent Thailand from becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste. Director-General Arada Fuangthong revealed that on October 22, 2026, the department sent an urgent letter to the Pollution Control Department, the lead agency responsible for hazardous waste management and the Basel Convention, proposing a comprehensive ban on metal and rubber scrap imports. The Customs Department had earlier recommended the ban to stop electronic waste and hazardous materials from slipping into the country after illegal e-waste facilities were found in multiple areas, causing chemical leaks, air pollution, and public health risks, sparking public demand for tough action. The Department of Foreign Trade asked the Pollution Control Department to swiftly set control measures and guidelines to close loopholes used to falsely declare and smuggle hazardous e-waste. However, to mitigate impact on legitimate industry, a 6-12 month transition period is proposed with conditions: permits only for factories using scrap as raw material for their own production within actual capacity, pre-shipment inspection certificates, and importers bearing return costs if hazardous waste is detected. Once the Pollution Control Department finalizes guidelines, the Ministry of Commerce will issue a ministerial announcement under the Import-Export Act B.E. 2522 to enforce the measures.
