Basel Convention

MOZAMBIQUE

Status of Ratification/Accession/Acceptance/Approval:	11.06.1997
Ratification/Acceptance of the Amendment to the Basel Convention:	Not yet as of 20.11.2002

Competent Authority	Focal Point
Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs Rua da Kassuende 167, Maputo tel: [phone] fax: [phone]	Av. Acordos de Lusaka 2115 Maputo tel: [phone] fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

National Definition

There is no national definition of waste used for the purpose of transboundary movements of waste in Mozambique. The Environmental Law of 1997 (definitions section) defines hazardous wastes and residues as substances destined for elimination, and posing a risk to human health or the environment due to one or more of the characteristics listed in the provision. The definition is in accordance with the Annexes I, II and III of the Basel Convention. Mozambique is in a preparatory process to regulate/control wastes defined as, or considered to be hazardous wastes by national legislation in accordance with Art. 1, para 1(b) of the Basel Convention. In Mozambique, there are no wastes other than those pursuant to Art. 1 (1)a and/or Art. 1 (1)b of the Basel Convention that require special consideration when subjected to transboundary movement.

Data* on the Generation and Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes** and Other Wastes*** in 2000 (as reported)

		Quantities (in metric tonnes)
Generation	Total amount of hazardous wastesgenerated	No data
	Total amount of other wastesgenerated	No data
Transboundary Movement	Total amount of hazardous wastesand other wastesexported	No data
	Total amount of hazardous wastesand other wastesimported	No import

* Figures are rounded to the nearest integer.

** Covers wastes under Art. 1 (1)a (Annex I: Y1-Y45) and Art. 1 (1)b.

*** Covers wastes under (Annex II: Y46-Y47).

Restrictions on Transboundary Movement	Amendment to the Basel Convention The amendment to the Basel Convention (Decision III/1) has been implemented in Mozambique.
	Restrictions on export for final disposal and for recovery Mozambique has no restrictions on the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal and for recovery.
	Restrictions on import for final disposal and for recovery Mozambique restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal and for recovery. Under the Environmental Law of 1997, the importation of toxic residues or wastes is expressly prohibited for final disposal and recovery, except under the terms of that would be established under specific legislation. However, such legislation is not in existence yet.
	Restrictions on transit Mozambique has no restrictions on the transit of hazardous wastes and other wastes.

Reduction and/or Elimination of Hazardous Waste Generation

Legislation, regulations and guidelines EIA Regulation; and Environmental Law of 1997: Based on the relevant provision of the Constitution, the Environmental Law of 1997 provides a general framework for environmental protection, including management of hazardous wastes. The purpose of the law is “to define the legal basis for the proper use and management of the environment and its elements in order to establish a system of sustainable development” in the country. The law includes several provisions addressing this issue. There is as yet no specific legal instrument on the management of hazardous wastes, or on export and import of such wastes. Work is underway to develop several regulations under the law. The following aspects of hazardous wastes management are addressed in the Environment Law or a separate regulation: definition of hazardous wastes; licensing system for persons managing waste and disposal facilities; restriction/prohibition of export/import of hazardous wastes; and civil liability and reparation of damage.

Others In general terms, the Environmental Law of 1997 imposes strict liability on persons who cause material damage to the environment. The State has the right to assess the damage, fix the amount of compensation, and to take countermeasures at the expense of the person causing the damage. The provision does not relate to hazardous wastes specifically.

Disposal/ Recovery Facilities

Licensing system for persons managing waste and disposal facilities: this is partly addressed in the regulation on environmental impact assessment. Open dump sites are managed by municipalities. A special waste site for an aluminium plant exists which is a temporary arrangement. Site selection for a national controlled disposal facility for hazardous wastes is made and arrangements to set up this facility are in progress (in the Maputo area).

Bilateral, Multilateral or Regional Agreements

Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa.

Technical Assistance and Training Available

The available sources are: Ministry of Environmental Affairs; Universidade Eduardo Mondlane; INNOQ (National Institute for Normalization and Quality Control), and Centro Nacional de produccão mais limpa.

Basel Convention

Country Fact Sheet