- The 1995 Basel Ban Amendment-a law banning the dumping of hazardous waste in developing countries, has finally got support from enough countries to enter into force on December 5, 2019.
- Croatia on September 6, became the 97th country to ratify the ban, which was adopted by the parties to the Basel Convention in 1995, to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous wastes. 90 days after ratification by Croatia, the ban will come into force on 5 December 2019.
- BAN (Basel Action Network) is a Unites States-based charity organisation and is one among the organisations and countries, which created the Basel Ban Amendment — hailed as a landmark agreement for global environmental justice.
- The amendment, adopted by the parties to the Basel Convention in 1995, prohibits the export of hazardous wastes from member states of the European Union, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Liechtenstein, to poorer countries, regardless of whether they are for recycling or not.
- It will become a new Article in the Convention and will enter into force in the 97 countries after 90 days — on December 5.
- Countries like the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, India, Brazil, and Mexico are yet to ratify the ban.
- According to a report, the United States America produces the most waste per-capita but has failed to ratify the Basel Convention and has actively opposed the Ban Amendment.
