Norwegian minister proposes heavier penalty for illegal waste export

Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment Tine Sundtoft proposed on Friday for an introduction of prison sentences for people who export waste illegally. The proposal includes increasing the penalty to upto two years in prison for illegal trans-border movements of waste in addition to fines. The minister also wants to make complicity in illegal waste exports punishable even if it happens without intent. "With this proposal I want to prevent and combat international environmental crime," said Sundtoft in a statement. Every year large amounts of electronic waste, discarded automobiles and batteries, are illegally exported from Europe to countries in Africa and Asia. By striking harder on rogue operators, Norway hopes to provide for fairer competition, said the Norwegian minister.