Exports & Imports General Requirements

The requirements for exporting hazardous waste share some similarities with the requirements for handling hazardous materials within the United States that we have already discussed. The regulations for exporting hazardous waste are complex, and a full discussion of them is beyond the scope of this course. Generally, however, when exporting hazardous waste, the primary exporter must meet the following requirements:

• Submit to the EPA a notification of intent to export
• Include the EPA Acknowledgement of Consent in the manifest (there are additional special requirements concerning the manifest)
• File an Exception Report if any of the following situations occur:
  • A copy of the signed manifest is not received within 45 days of the initial transporter's acceptance of the waste.
  • Written confirmation is not received within 90 days of the initial transporter's acceptance of the waste from the consignee stating that the hazardous waste was received.
  • The waste is returned to the United States.
• File an Annual Report
• Maintain specific records
• Comply with international agreements

For a full discussion of these regulations, refer to 40 CFR 262.50.

A person who imports hazardous waste from a foreign country into the United States must also comply with the regulations. There are special requirements for filling out the manifest (refer to 40 CFR 262.60).

To learn more about RCRA visit our RCRA Hazardous Waste Safety Online Training web page.