How does the e-Stewards Standard address the export of electronic waste?

A: The export of electronic waste, particularly to developing countries, is a significant concern in
the electronics recycling industry, as it can lead to environmental contamination, human health
risks, and the exploitation of workers in unsafe or unethical recycling operations. The e-Stewards
Standard includes strict requirements for the export of electronic waste to prevent the dumping of
hazardous materials in developing countries and ensure responsible management throughout the
recycling chain. Key requirements include:

1. Prohibition on hazardous waste exports: The e-Stewards Standard prohibits the export of
   hazardous electronic waste to developing countries, as defined by the Basel Convention
   and its amendments.
2. Compliance with international law: Certified recyclers must comply with all applicable
   international laws and agreements related to the transboundary movement of electronic
   waste, including the Basel Convention, the OECD Council Decision, and the Bamako
   Convention.
3. Compliance with national laws: Certified recyclers must comply with all applicable
   national laws and regulations related to the export of electronic waste, both in the country
   of origin and the country of destination.
4. Due diligence on importing countries: Certified recyclers must conduct due diligence on
   the importing countries to ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure, regulations,
   and oversight in place to manage electronic waste properly.
5. Due diligence on downstream vendors: Certified recyclers must conduct due diligence on
   downstream vendors ensuring that all facilities receiving exported materials are properly
   licensed, permitted, and capable of managing the waste responsibly.
6. Establish proper documentation and records: Implement written agreements and control
   systems with downstream vendors to ensure ongoing conformance to the e-Stewards
   Standard.
7. Transparency and documentation: Certified recyclers must maintain detailed records of
   all electronic waste exports, including the types and quantities of materials, the dates of
   shipment, and the names and locations of the receiving facilities, and must make this
   information available to auditors and other stakeholders upon request.
   Certified organizations must also comply with specific requirements for the export of used
   electronics for reuse, including functionality testing, data sanitization, and packaging and
   shipping controls. The standard aims to promote responsible trade in electronic waste while
   preventing the externalization of harm to vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
   By establishing strict requirements related to the export of electronic waste, the e-Stewards
   Standard aims to prevent the dumping of hazardous materials in developing countries and ensure
   that all electronic waste is managed in a safe, responsible, and legal manner. This helps to protect
   human health and the environment, support the development of sustainable recycling
   infrastructure, and promote the responsible reuse and recovery of valuable materials from
   electronic waste.