[The Hwankyung Ilbo] It is pointed out that the problem of illegal imports is more serious than the illegal export of waste. In particular, 62.4% of imports of garbage over the past decade were from Japan, raising criticism that related authorities need to pay attention to radioactive contamination.

According to the data submitted to Rep. Yoo Seung-hee of the Democratic Party of Korea from the Korea Customs Service, a total of 30 cases have been detected for illegal waste imports over the past three years, more than 1.5 times as many as 19 cases caught for illegal exports.

In addition, imports of Japanese wastes in the last 10 years amounted to 12,869,355 tons, accounting for 62.4% of total wastes.

Waste imports began to rise in 2010 and have continued to rise since the Fukushima earthquake in 2011. Currently, about 1.5 million tons of waste from Japan is imported annually.

“A stronger inspection is needed than a radiation test of the Fukushima industrial products currently carried out by the Korea Customs Service,” said Rep. Yoo Seung-hee.

조수빈 리포터  press@hkbs.co.kr

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