DCCEEW confirmed for CPD Events Detailed presentations to ensure informed compliance

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) maintains regular engagement with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) on regulatory settings and operational matters impacting the export of regulated goods.

DCCEEW representatives will be presenting in person at the upcoming 2026 FTA CPD Border Compliance Program events.  Among the topics to be covered are hazardous waste export requirements, permit obligations, enforcement trends and practical compliance considerations for industry.

Recent enforcement activity highlights this focus, with DCCEEW issuing a media release on 25 February 2026 confirming action against a Melbourne-based e-waste recycler for the illegal export of hazardous waste to Singapore.

In summary:

• A container intercepted overseas contained undeclared hazardous e-waste, including crushed hard drives, printed circuit boards and lithium-ion batteries.
• The exporter had not obtained a permit under the Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989.
• The company was fined $19,800 and required to return the container to Australia for lawful disposal at its own expense.

DCCEEW has reiterated that the illegal export of regulated waste is taken seriously and that monitoring and detection capabilities are being strengthened, including cooperation with Australian Border Force, DAFF and state environmental regulators.

While this case relates specifically to e-waste, it serves as a reminder of the compliance risks associated with misclassification, non-declaration or misunderstanding of permit requirements. Regulatory scrutiny in this space remains active.

The full DCCEEW media release is available HERE.