Thailand Proposes Ban on Metal and Rubber Scrap Imports to Curb Illegal Waste
The Department of Foreign Trade has requested the Pollution Control Department to implement a ban on metal and rubber scrap imports to prevent the illegal entry of hazardous electronic waste.
On October 22, 2026, the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) formally requested that the Pollution Control Department (PCD) consider a comprehensive ban on the import of metal and rubber scrap. This move follows a proposal by the Customs Department aimed at preventing the illegal smuggling of hazardous electronic waste and industrial debris into Thailand.
Recent inspections have uncovered numerous illegal storage sites for electronic waste, which have led to chemical leaks and air pollution, posing significant health risks to local communities. The DFT aims to close loopholes that allow bad actors to misdeclare hazardous waste as legitimate scrap materials.
For residents and travelers, this initiative reflects a broader government effort to address environmental degradation and public health concerns associated with industrial waste. While the proposal seeks a strict ban, the DFT has suggested a 6 to 12-month transition period to mitigate impacts on legitimate industrial operators. Under this potential framework, imports might be restricted to factories that use the materials for their own production, provided they do not exceed actual capacity.
It remains to be confirmed how the Pollution Control Department will finalize these regulations and what specific criteria will be established for legitimate importers. The public is advised to monitor official government announcements for updates on when these measures might take effect.
