Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has announced a ban on the import of 428 types of electronic waste, or e-waste, to protect the environment.

Illustrative image (Source: NationThailand)

Head of the ministry’s Department of Foreign Trade Kirati Ratchano said that the ban, which took effect on 15 Sept, was launched under a 2018 resolution by the government's sub-committee managing and controlling imported electronic and plastic waste.

Violations are punishable by a jail sentence of up to 10 years, a fine of five times the price of the e-waste imported illegally, or both, he said.

In the ministry's announcement, e-waste is defined as electric and electronic components and scraps, excluding scraps from an electricity generator.

Aside from the ban, more campaigns will be carried out to encourage public participation in environmental protection.

Source: VNA