By Correspondent

MEASURES introduced by Tanzania last year on the disposal of electronic waste aim at protecting the people’s health and the environment, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) Director General Dr. Jabiri Bakari said in Dar es Salaam recently.

He explained that that the pre-inspection and collection of advance eco levy on communications equipment destined to Tanzania, which started in May 2023, sought to manage the disposal of used communications equipment.

Dr. Bakari was addressing representatives of the Kariakoo Traders Association who were invited to TCRA head offices in Dar es Salaam for a consultative meeting.

Dar es Salaam’s Kariakoo area is the hub of consumer electronic communications equipment business in Tanzania.

Dr. Bakari briefed the traders on the steps TCRA has taken to manage electronic waste since introducing the electronic communication Standards and E-Waste management regulations in 2020.

Tanzania manages the disposal of electronic waste. The country promotes its proper disposal to prevent hazardous substances and toxic elements in communications equipment from endangering human health and the environment.

The eco levy is an end-of-life disposal fee introduced to hold electronic equipment, whereby producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products. All equipment destined for Tanzania is inspected at the country of origin.

Additionally, all communications equipment imported into Tanzania must be type-approved by TCRA. The Authority also licenses importers and distributors of the equipment.

The regulations apply to the imported equipment cycle. They address the importation, distribution, selling, purchasing, recycling, refurbishing, assembling, dismantling and disposal of electronic equipment waste or components in Tanzania.

Tanzania follows international best practices in managing electronic waste. The registration and inspection of communications equipment in the country of origin confirms with the Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-Boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

TCRA’s meeting with the Kariakoo traders was part of TCRA’s stakeholder awareness campaign on the safe disposal of electronic waste. TCRA regulates the communication sector by involving stakeholders through such interactive and consultative meetings.