Trade policies and regulations play a pivotal role in shaping the movement of plastics and plastic waste across borders
A big stock of plastic stretch film wrap packing. Representative photo from iStock
The trade-related aspects of plastic pollution negotiations encompass a range of dimensions critical to understanding global plastic production, consumption and waste management. Firstly, the trade in plastic raw materials, including additives, polymers and resins derived from fossil fuels, significantly influences global plastic manufacturing and consumption patterns. Secondly, the import and export of plastic products themselves, spanning from packaging and consumer goods to industrial materials, have implications for plastic waste generation, recycling rates and overall environmental impacts across regions and countries.
A crucial element within trade-related negotiations is the global trade in plastic waste, particularly post-consumer plastic scrap. This practice often involves exporting plastic waste from high consumption countries to regions with lower environmental standards and inadequate waste management capacities, typically developing countries. While exporting plastic waste for recycling aims to alleviate waste burdens, it can introduce environmental and social challenges in recipient countries, including pollution and health risks due to insufficient waste handling infrastructure.
Trade policies and regulations play a pivotal role in shaping the movement of plastics and plastic waste across borders. International trade agreements, tariffs and regulations related to environmental standards, waste management and recycling practices directly influence the flow of plastics globally and contribute to efforts aimed at reducing plastic pollution.
Notably, initiatives like the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal seek to regulate the international movement of plastic waste and promote environmentally sound waste management practices. By addressing trade-related aspects within plastic pollution negotiations, policymakers and stakeholders can advance efforts to enhance global waste management practices, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable plastic production and consumption models.
The European Union (EU), Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and the African group upheld this provision and suggested measures to strengthen the obligation on trade. The African group suggested that plastics traded should be tracked by volumes, types and applications. The EU suggested that the obligation should be exercised to non-party members on a non-discriminatory basis. The PSIDS submitted that any products not meeting the standard product design may not be eligible for trade.
Egypt did not align itself with the African group for this obligation.
Member states such as Iran, India, Russia, China and Japan have not agreed to this provision due to various reasons. Some accused the provision to be against the World Trade Organization rules.
To download the whole report, click here.
This is a click to zoom map. View the larger image by clicking on it
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
