The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act is designed to control the export of electronic waste from the United States, primarily to prevent it from being converted into counterfeit goods that could reenter domestic military and civilian electronics supply chains. The bill broadly defines "electronic waste" to encompass a wide array of used electronic items, including computers, data center equipment, mobile devices, televisions, and various consumer electronics. This legislative effort underscores a commitment to protecting critical supply chains from the risks associated with fraudulent components. While the bill generally prohibits the export or reexport of electronic waste, it carves out specific exemptions for certain categories of "exempted electronic waste items." These include tested, working used electronics that are fully functional and intended for reuse, low-risk counterfeit electronics that have been destroyed for their original purpose and are exported as feedstock for reclamation, and recalled electronics that have been repaired by the manufacturer. These exemptions are crucial for facilitating legitimate recycling and reuse initiatives while maintaining security. To qualify for these export exemptions, individuals or entities must adhere to rigorous requirements. They must register on a publicly accessible registry maintained by the Secretary of Commerce and file comprehensive electronic export information for each transaction. This information must detail the type and quantity of items, the receiving country, and the ultimate consignee, along with a declaration affirming the consignee's competence to manage the items responsibly. Additionally, all exports must comply with applicable international agreements and other U.S. trade and export control laws, with violations subject to penalties consistent with the Export Administration Regulations.
Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Trade and International Finance
Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act
USA119th CongressHR-2998| House
| Updated: 4/24/2025
The Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act is designed to control the export of electronic waste from the United States, primarily to prevent it from being converted into counterfeit goods that could reenter domestic military and civilian electronics supply chains. The bill broadly defines "electronic waste" to encompass a wide array of used electronic items, including computers, data center equipment, mobile devices, televisions, and various consumer electronics. This legislative effort underscores a commitment to protecting critical supply chains from the risks associated with fraudulent components. While the bill generally prohibits the export or reexport of electronic waste, it carves out specific exemptions for certain categories of "exempted electronic waste items." These include tested, working used electronics that are fully functional and intended for reuse, low-risk counterfeit electronics that have been destroyed for their original purpose and are exported as feedstock for reclamation, and recalled electronics that have been repaired by the manufacturer. These exemptions are crucial for facilitating legitimate recycling and reuse initiatives while maintaining security. To qualify for these export exemptions, individuals or entities must adhere to rigorous requirements. They must register on a publicly accessible registry maintained by the Secretary of Commerce and file comprehensive electronic export information for each transaction. This information must detail the type and quantity of items, the receiving country, and the ultimate consignee, along with a declaration affirming the consignee's competence to manage the items responsibly. Additionally, all exports must comply with applicable international agreements and other U.S. trade and export control laws, with violations subject to penalties consistent with the Export Administration Regulations.