Signed in Basel, Switzerland, in1989, this Convention has established obligations for state Parties to:

1.  Reduce transboundary movements of wastes, subject to the Basel Convention, to a minimum consistent with the environmentally sound and efficient management of such wastes.
2. Minimise the amount of toxicity of hazardous wastes generated and ensure their environmentally sound management (including disposal and recovery operations) as close as possible to the source of generation.
3. Assist developing countries in environmentally sound management of hazardous and other wastes they generate.

Parties must inform others of their decision to prohibit import of hazardous wastes. Parties will then not allow waste to be exported to these countries and can prohibit export if the state of import does not consent in writing to the specific import. States of export shall not allow the generator of hazardous wastes to commence transboundary movement until they have received written confirmation that the notifier has received written consent of the state of import. In case of an accident during transboundary movement likely to present risks to human health and the environment in other states, these states must be immediately informed.