Brazil’s Lula Signs Law Prohibiting Imports of Solid Waste

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a bill on Tuesday (January 7) prohibiting the import of solid waste, such as paper, plastics, and glass.

The text, published in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU), amends the National Solid Waste Policy (Law 12,305 of 2010) and allows importing waste to transform strategic minerals, including metals essential to the manufacturing industry.

The new legislation stipulates that importers and auto parts manufacturers are authorized to import solid waste derived from previously exported national products, provided these are exclusively destined for reverse logistics and full recycling, even when classified as hazardous waste.

Reverse logistics is a management process that involves returning products and materials after their life cycle. It includes classifying collected items, dismantling products for reuse or recycling, processing recyclable materials, and finally disposing of non-reusable waste. Hazardous solid waste, such as pesticides, batteries, and lubricating oils, poses potential risks to public health and the environment.

LAW NO. 15,088, OF JANUARY 6, 2025

Amends Law No. 12,305 of August 2, 2010 (National Solid Waste Policy), to prohibit the import of solid waste and residues, with exceptions as specified.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

Be it known that the National Congress decrees and I sanction the following Law:

Art. Law 1: The wording of Article 49 of Law No. 12,305 of August 2, 2010 (National Solid Waste Policy), is amended as follows:

“Art. 49. Importing solid waste and residues, including paper, paper derivatives, plastic, glass, and metal, is prohibited.

§ 1 Exceptions to the prohibition outlined in the caput of this article include the importation of waste used in transforming strategic materials and minerals, including long-fiber paper scraps, by regulations, and waste from metals and metallic materials.

§ 2 Importers or manufacturers of auto parts, excluding tires, are authorized to import solid waste derived from previously exported national products for reverse logistics and full recycling, even if classified as hazardous waste, by regulations.”

Art. 2 This Law takes effect on the date of its publication.

Brasília, January 6, 2025; 204th year of Independence and 137th of the Republic.

LUIZ INÁCIO LULA DA SILVA

Source: VG Noticias

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