National definition of waste used for the purpose of transboundary movements of waste exists in Madagascar.
“Projet de definition”: In general, waste could be defined as all residues resulting from production process, transformation or use, or any substance, materials, products or more generally, any material or item which has been abandoned by its owner, either because its economic value is too small, or because it is low in quantity to justify an investment. In summary, it is an item, product or by-product which cannot be utilized for different reasons.
The national definition of hazardous waste to be used for the purpose of transboundary movements of waste is being prepared.
A waste is considered hazardous when it is likely to cause harmful effects to human health and/or the environment. Therefore, hazardous wastes can be corrosive, caustic, toxic, carcinogenic, explosive, inflammable or carry harmful germs.
Definition of a national project of hazardous wastes which will be adopted later after being adopted by the National Assembly. This definition is out of the national legislation concerning the environmentally sound management of solid, liquid and pasty wastes in Madagascar.
Madagascar regulates/controls additional wastes as hazardous that are not included in Art. 1 (1)a of the Basel Convention and would be controlled for the purpose of transboundary movements pursuant to Art. 1 (1)b.
Déchets contenant des éléments radioactifs et amianteDéchets encombrant (vieux réfrigerateurs, vieilles caracasses de voitures, feraille, tout bien meuble abandoné,….)
Madagascar requires special consideration for the following waste(s) when subjected to transboundary movement: radioactive wastes and nuclear wastes; and déchets contenant ou contenu amiante.
Madagascar is in a preparatory process of implementing the amendment to the Basel Convention (Decision III/1).
Restrictions on export for final disposal
Madagascar is in a preparatory process to restrict the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal.
Restrictions on and export for recovery
Madagascar has no restrictions on the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery.
Restrictions on transit and import for final disposal and for recovery
Madagascar has no restrictions on the transit and import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal and for recovery.
Reduction and/or Elimination of Hazardous Waste Generation
National strategies/policies
In preparation.
On 18 June 1998, the National Committee for the Management of hazardous wastes (GNGPC) was officially created (Decret N°98-444). This committee has been, since this date, the official national mechanism responsible for chemical management in terms of safety.
Legislation, regulations and guidelines
A National Law to reduce hazardous wastes is currently being elaborated.
Economic instruments/ initiatives
A National Law Ecotax is currently being elaborated.
Measures taken by industries/waste generators
Decree of application MECI, Law N°99-954 of 15/12/99. (Accountability of investments towards the environment).
Others
Le Ministère de l’Environnement, des Eaux et Forêts est en cours d’élaboration de la politique nationale de gestion de déchets dangereux ou non dangereux (année 2005).