Two vessel masters have been convicted for exporting computer monitors without a permit. They were sentenced to two months prison, suspended for two years, and fined $5,000 and $10,000.

The vessel master ordered to pay the lower fine was convicted today for exporting 2,800 computer monitors with cathode ray tubes, while the other was convicted yesterday for exporting 1,900 monitors.

Marine Police intercepted the two vessels recently, heading for the Mainland.

Waste computer monitors are considered hazardous waste internationally as they contain lead and other toxic substances. Transboundary movements of hazardous waste are subject to Basal Convention control.

e-Waste clampdown

The Environmental Protection Department is determined to curb illegal import and export of hazardous e-waste, and to strengthen control it has recently written to all its overseas partners in the Basal Convention reiterating the need to work together to stop illegal movement e-waste into and out of Hong Kong.

The department has stepped up local enforcement, with the Marine Police and the Customs & Excise Department.

Meanwhile, Police intercepted a shipment of waste car batteries earlier this month and an investigation is underway.

In the first eight months of the year, 66 suspected shipments of e-waste were intercepted. Seventeen prosecutions have been initiated while the other cases remain under investigation.