International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-Waste

Why in News?

Recently, India hosted the International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-Waste and Engaging Tech Companies in New Delhi.

• Aim – To strengthen global e-waste governance and build a circular economy for electricals and electronics.
• Help countries build effective, context-specific e-waste systems.
• Organised by – International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Supporting agencies – APC Colombia (Presidential Agency for International Cooperation of Colombia).
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
• Participants – Countries – Colombia, Dominican Republic, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, South Africa
• Stakeholders – Indian policymakers, regulators, industry representatives and recycling practitioners.
• Objectives – Facilitate peer learning and practical insights into sustainable e-waste management.
• Promote circular economy principles across electronics and telecom sectors.
• Build trust and long-term collaboration between countries and industry.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy principle that makes producers accountable for the end-of-life of the products they sell.

• Themes –

• Key Highlights – India has emerged as a hub for global knowledge exchange in e-waste and the circular economy.
• India’s digital ecosystem –
  • Nearly 1 billion internet users,
  • UPI handles 12 billion monthly transactions.
• Benefits – Responsible e-waste management can
  • generate green jobs.
  • Enable recovery of critical materials.
  • Reduce import dependence.
  • Strengthen supply chain resilience.

Quick Fact

Reference

PIB | International Exchange Initiative on Regulating E-Waste