“We support the idea that when used equipment is transported across borders, it generally should not contain cathode ray tubes. However, we would like to deepen our understanding of this topic through Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) discussions before advancing a solution. Our understanding is that most companies have stopped shipping used equipment destined for failure analysis, repair or refurbishment if they contain cathode ray tubes with the exception of medical devices where small cathode ray tube monitors may still be used. To implement guidelines related to obsolete technologies in a consistent manner, Parties will need to set out criteria and develop a common and agreed upon list of what is considered obsolete.”

From p. 3  of response by Canada to Basel Secretariat. 2015. ‘Decision BC-12/5 | Technical Guidelines on Transboundary Movements of Electrical and Electronic Waste and Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment, in Particular Regarding the Distinction between Waste and Non-Waste under the Basel Convention’. http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/ConferenceoftheParties/Meetings/COP12/tabid/4248/mctl/ViewDetails/EventModID/8051/EventID/542/xmid/13027/Default.aspx.

“[...] the concept of obsolete technologies, including the link with subparagraph 5 (d) of decision BC-12/5, which refers to preparation of draft revised guidelines in reference to paragraphs 31 a and 31 b of the technical guidelines, should be further clarified, taking into consideration other relevant multilateral environmental agreements and country-level criteria.”

From p. 7 of response by India to Basel Secretariat. 2015. ‘Decision BC-12/5 | Technical Guidelines on Transboundary Movements of Electrical and Electronic Waste and Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment, in Particular Regarding the Distinction between Waste and Non-Waste under the Basel Convention’. http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/ConferenceoftheParties/Meetings/COP12/tabid/4248/mctl/ViewDetails/EventModID/8051/EventID/542/xmid/13027/Default.aspx.

“We are also concerned with the use of the undefined phrase “obsolete technologies.” We are not aware of any recognized stakeholder or other process used to determine when a technology becomes obsolete: what is no longer in demand in certain countries or regions may remain in demand in others.

From p. 5 of Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) response to Basel Secretariat. 2015. ‘Decision BC-12/5 | Technical Guidelines on Transboundary Movements of Electrical and Electronic Waste and Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment, in Particular Regarding the Distinction between Waste and Non-Waste under the Basel Convention’. http://www.basel.int/TheConvention/ConferenceoftheParties/Meetings/COP12/tabid/4248/mctl/ViewDetails/EventModID/8051/EventID/542/xmid/13027/Default.aspx