Russia: Defined authorities responsible for issuing licences for transboundary waste shipments

As of 2 March 2019, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation is responsible for issuing licenses for all transboundary waste shipments (both import and export).

The responsible authorities have been defined by an amendment (adopted by Decree No. 173 of 21 February 2019) to Decree No. 1110 dated 17 October 2015 implementing Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

Other competent authorities of the Russian Federation in the area of implementation of the Basel Convention are the following:

  • Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergency Situations and Liquidation of Consequences of Natural Disasters (the MCHS) is responsible to ensure that the relevant state officials and resources are prepared for an emergency response associated with hazardous waste transportation;

  • Federal Transport Supervision service is responsible to ensure transport safety during transboundary waste movement;
  • Federal Customs Service is responsible for customs compliance and control during transboundary waste movement; and
  • Federal Consumer Protection and Public Welfare Service is responsible for the health and safety supervision during transboundary movement of hazardous wastes.

Law: Decree No. 173 of 21 February 2019 on Amending Decree No. 1110 dated 17 October 2015 Implementing Basel Convention Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.