DIW and Thai Customs Department Block E-Waste Imports, Ordering Immediate Repatriation

DIW has inspected suspicious cargo imported through Laem Chabang Port, Chonburi Province. Upon confirming that the goods are hazardous waste, the DIW coordinated with the Thai Customs Department to initiate the repatriation of the shipment to its country of origin.

On February 13, 2026, The Department of Industrial Works (DIW) received an alert from the Basel Action Network (BAN) to monitor and prepare for threats involving the illegal transboundary movement or trade of waste. The alert specifically flagged high-risk shipments of electronic and plastic waste originating from the United States and destined for Laem Chabang Port, Thailand. Consequently, on March 18, 2026, the Director-General of the DIW assigned officials from the Industrial Waste Management Division, in collaboration with the Customs Department, to conduct an on-site inspection at Laem Chabang Port.

The Laem Chabang Port Customs Office proceeded to seize five containers declared as Aluminum Scrap with a total weight of 110,441 kilograms. The seizure followed suspicions that the scrap metal might be contaminated with electronic waste. Upon inspection, DIW officials discovered shredded aluminum scrap mixed with electronic circuit boards, foam, wiring, tires, and plastics.

These materials are classified as Hazardous Waste under entry A1181, Annex VIII of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. Furthermore, they are categorized as Chemical Wastes (List 5.2) under the Notification of the Ministry of Industry on the List of Hazardous Substances B.E. 2556 (2013), pursuant to the Hazardous Substances Act B.E. 2535 (1992), which requires mandatory import permits.

DIW will officially notify the Thai Customs Department of the inspection results to facilitate the return of the shipment to the country of origin.

Source: https://www.diw.go.th/webdiw/pr69-100/