PIC Procedure Workflows
Step-by-step breakdown of the Basel Convention Prior Informed Consent procedure. Who needs it, how to apply, and country-specific requirements.
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure is the Basel Convention's core control mechanism for transboundary hazardous waste movements. Understanding each step of the notification process, timeline expectations, and common pitfalls is essential for successful authorization.
What is Prior Informed Consent?
Article 6 of the Basel Convention requires written approval from importing and transit countries before hazardous waste can be shipped internationally. This ensures that all parties consent to the movement and that waste will be managed in an environmentally sound manner. Movements without proper PIC constitute illegal trafficking under Article 9.
⚠️
No shipment may begin until all required consents are received.Import country consent is required in all cases. Transit country notification is required for any waste crossing an intermediate border. Consent is typically valid for one year with specific quantity limits — expired consents are not transferable.
PIC Procedure Index
Step 1
Prior Informed Consent Overview
What PIC is, why it's required, and the legal framework under Basel Article 6. Essential starting point for first-time exporters.
View guide →
Step 2
Pre-Notification Preparation
Documents to gather before submitting your notification, including contracts, facility permits, waste characterization reports, and classification documentation.
View guide →
Step 3
Notification Submission
Where and how to submit your Basel notification through the national competent authority using the Annex V-A form.
View guide →
Step 4
Competent Authority Acknowledgement
The 3-day acknowledgement requirement, tracking number assignment, and what acknowledgement confirms about your submission.
View guide →
Step 5
Import Country Response
The 60-day response timeline, types of responses (consent, conditional consent, objection), and how to address conditions or rejections.
View guide →
Step 6
Transit Country Consent
When transit notification is required, routing considerations, and special rules for maritime and air transit.
View guide →
Step 7
Final Authorization
When you can ship after receiving all consents, validity periods, movement document requirements, and shipping compliance checks.
View guide →
Timelines
Timeline Expectations by Region
How PIC response times vary globally: EU (30–60 days), OECD tacit consent procedures, Asia (60–90 days), Africa, and other regions.
View guide →
Rejections
Common Rejection Reasons
The top 10 reasons Basel notifications are rejected and how to avoid each mistake before submission.
View guide →
Appeals
Appealing Rejections
How to respond to objections, resubmission procedures, and strategies for addressing competent authority concerns.
View guide →
Amendments
Notification Modifications
When changes require full renotification versus minor amendments, and how to document modifications to approved notifications.
View guide →
Typical PIC Timeline
✓ Best Case (EU / OECD)
- Pre-notification preparation: 2–4 weeks
- Submission and acknowledgement: 3–7 days
- Import country response: 30–45 days
- Transit country response: 30–45 days
Total: 2–3 months
~ Typical Scenario (Non-OECD)
- Pre-notification preparation: 4–8 weeks
- Submission and acknowledgement: 1–2 weeks
- Import country response: 60–90 days
- Transit country response: 30–60 days
Total: 4–6 months
✗ Worst Case Scenario
- Incomplete documentation: +2–4 weeks
- Translation requirements: +2–4 weeks
- Conditional consent / facility upgrades: +3–6 months
- Rejection and resubmission: restart process
Total: 8–12+ months
Critical Success Factors
📋
Complete Documentation
Over 80% of delays result from incomplete initial submissions. Gather all required documents before submitting — do not rely on supplementing after the fact.
🔬
Accurate Classification
Improper waste classification is the leading cause of rejection. Verify Basel codes and hazardous characteristics carefully before filing.
🏭
Facility Verification
Ensure the receiving facility has valid permits for the specific waste codes and operations in your notification before submitting.
🗺️
Routing Clarity
Transit country requirements are frequently overlooked. Map your complete shipping route and identify every transit jurisdiction before filing.
📅
Timeline Planning
Budget 3–6 months for first-time notifications. Plan shipments well in advance of actual need dates — PIC cannot be expedited.
Common Misconceptions
⚠️
Acknowledgement of receipt is NOT consent to ship.Import country consent alone is NOT sufficient — transit countries must also consent. Y49 "non-hazardous" waste still requires the full PIC procedure. OECD tacit consent applies only between OECD member countries. All approved notifications expire, typically after one year.
💡
DexMetal Expert Tip:Follow the pages sequentially for a complete understanding of the PIC workflow. If troubleshooting a specific issue, use the index above to jump directly to the relevant procedure step. Each page includes Basel Article citations, practical timelines, and common errors specific to that stage of the process.
References
Basel Convention Text — Article 6 (Transboundary Movement between Parties)
Start with the free tools
Need a first pass on a cross-border route?
Use the free DexMetal tools to check eligibility, PIC status, classification, and route risk before deciding on next steps.