"Although the HS Codes used do not capture whether the imported item is second hand or not, it should be noted in 2010, two trade groups – Dealers in Reconditioned Electronic Equipment (DIREE) and Uganda Electronics and Technicians Association (UETA) have since petitioned Parliament to withdraw the law. The controversy is far from over, as growing environmental concerns and the need for consumers to access low-cost IT equipment need to be balanced. Importers argue that consumers are deprived of low-cost equipment, especially those who can’t afford high-end technology but the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) defends the law and plans to establish a recycling centre for electronic goods."

Meta-Actor: QUANGO

Source Document: https://www.unido.org/fileadmin/user_media_upgrade/What_we_do/Topics/Resource-efficient__low-carbon_production/UCPC_Final_report_e-Waste_Invontory_for_Uganda.pdf

Date: October 2013

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"Trade in used electronics is highly profitable for developing countries and can provide development benefits like access to inexpensive refurbished electronics. Some argue that these exports extend the life of electronics and therefore cut down on waste. The extraction of metals from used electronics, if handled responsibly, can also be an environmentally friendly alternative to mining. 

Meta-Actor: Not-for-Profit

Source Document: http://www.ictsd.org/bridges-news/biores/news/us-regulation-of-e-waste-exports-under-scrutiny-from-within

Date: October 3, 2008