TCRA updates stakeholders on electronic waste measures
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Jabiri Bakari, said on Tuesday that the measures have been introduced by Tanzania for disposal of electronic waste aim to protect public health and the environment.
Speaking during the consultative meeting with representatives of the Kariakoo Traders Association in Dar es Salaam, the TCRA boss explained that the pre inspection and collection of an advance eco levy, which began in May 2023, is designed to manage disposal of used communications equipment.
Kariakoo serves as a hub for consumer electronics and communications equipment in Tanzania. He provided an overview of TCRA’s efforts to manage electronic waste since the introduction of the Electronic Communication Standards and E-Waste Management Regulations in 2020.
“The country promotes proper and safe disposal methods to prevent hazardous substances in electronic equipment from posing risks to human health and the environment,” he said.
The eco levy, an end-of life disposal fee, holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. All equipment destined for Tanzania undergoes inspection at the country of origin.
Additionally, all imported communications equipment must be type approved by TCRA, which also licenses importers and distributors.
The Environmental Management (Control and Management of Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste) Regulations, 2021, require exporters to identify consignments and pay the advance eco levy.
He said the regulations cover the entire lifecycle of imported equipment, including importation, distribution, sale, recycling, refurbishment, assembly, dismantling and disposal of electronic waste in Tanzania.
Tanzania adheres to international best practices in electronic waste management and the registration and inspection of communications equipment at the country of origin comply with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal.
The meeting with the Kariakoo traders is part of TCRA’s ongoing stakeholder awareness campaign focused on the safe disposal of electronic waste. TCRA emphasises stakeholder involvement through such interactive and consultative meetings to regulate the communications sector effectively.
