The Basel Convention of 1989: a developing country's perspective

This paper examines the Basel Convention on hazardous wastes and evaluates its economic and environmental impact on India. It finds that the functioning of the Convention is hardly consistent with practices of such multi-lateral fora. The actions pursuant to the Convention agreements have not worked towards its stated objectives. The measures and actions of the Convention are inconsistent with the principles of free trade and economic development, as practiced under the World Trade Organization (WTO). Moreover, the Convention has not led to development of improved environment related practices and access to better technologies amongst its member countries. Contrary to most multilateral fora, the Convention is still identifying the subject matter of its agreement approximately 12 years after its formation: what is a "waste" and what constitutes a "hazard"?