New Technical Standard in Nicaragua: Electronic Waste Management
As of September 18th, 2024, the new Nicaraguan Mandatory Technical Standard, “NTON 05002: 2022 Environmental Management, Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Generators, and Waste Managers”, will come into force. This regulation aims to protect the environment by regulating the generation and management of Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
NTON 05002 defines electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) as all devices that require electrical current or electromagnetic fields to operate. According to the standard, all importers, distributors, and marketers of EEE must submit an annual report to the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA) before January 31st. This report should include details such as the year of manufacture, country of origin, and classification of the equipment according to the categories established in the standard.
MARENA is the national authority responsible for ensuring compliance with this standard. Importers, marketers, and distributors of EEE must also develop environmental programs in accordance with Decree 20-2017, which regulates the Environmental Evaluation System for Permits and Authorizations for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources. These programs must include collection centers and warehouses, whether owned or leased, for the separation and classification of WEEE, and their subsequent delivery to waste managers or for export.
Additionally, NTON 05002 requires that imported EEE be labeled according to the specifications outlined in the annexes of the standard, to ensure that waste is managed safely and not discarded without classification.
The implementation of this standard will impact entities managing EEE. Organizations will need to familiarize themselves with the regulations established in NTON 05002.
Dania Navarrete
dania.navarrete@garciabodan.com
Senior Associate
García & Bodán
Nicaragua