Hundreds of Toxic Waste Shipped Back

VIVAnews – Tanjung Priok Customs in North Jakarta had again shipped 113 containers containing scrap metal and toxic waste (B3) owned by PT HHS. 

“We shipped the waste back to its country of origin such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands,” said Public Relations of Tanjung Priok’s Type A Customs and Excise Public Services, Agus Rofiudin, on Friday. 

In accordance with the regulation of the Minister of Trade No. 39/M-DAG/PER/9/2009, every importer shall return items which contain toxic and hazardous waste (B3) to the country of origin. 

The re-export regulation has been issued by North Jakarta’s District Court 6 March 2012.

The re-exporting is carried out in two stages. 

“The country of origin must be aware of the shipment and willing to accept the items,” said Agus. 

The first stage was effected on 9 March 2012. A total of 89 containers were sent back to its country of origin, the UK. The second stage was fulfilled today with 24 containers sent back to the Netherlands. 

“Provided the second stage, 113 containers owned by PT HHS have been returned to the countries of origin,” said Agus. 

Earlier, Director General of Customs, Agung Kuswandono, said that the waste containers had been transported to Indonesia since January. Despite the fact that the import of scrap metal is allowed, “this waste had been mixed with other waste."