Block 12: Designation & Composition of the Waste
Block 12: Designation & Composition of the Waste
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Block 12 – Quick Reference
Designation & Composition of the Waste
Describes the waste by its common name and lists major constituents with approximate concentrations.
Basel Basis
Article 4(2)(d), Basel Convention; Annex V-A Block 12
Field Type
Descriptive — commercial/common name and constituent composition
Required For
All Basel movements
What Block 12 Captures
Block 12 describes what the waste actually is in both plain and technical terms. It requires the common or commercial name of the waste and a breakdown of its major constituents with their approximate concentrations. Competent authorities use this block to cross-check the waste description against the classification codes in Block 14 and to assess environmental and health risks during transit.
For mixed wastes, each distinct fraction must be described separately, with its intended operation noted. A chemical analysis may be required under the national legislation of the importing or transit country — attach as an annex if so.
How to Complete Block 12
1
Enter the common or commercial name
by which the waste is known (e.g.,
Used Lead-Acid Batteries
,
Spent ULAB — flooded and VRLA types
).
2
List the major constituents
by name with approximate percentage concentrations by weight. Ranges are acceptable where exact values are not known.
3
For mixed wastes
, describe each fraction separately and indicate which fraction is destined for recovery and which for disposal.
4
If a chemical analysis is required
by the importing country, attach it as an annex and reference it here.
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ULAB Example Entry
Common name: Used Lead-Acid Batteries (flooded and sealed VRLA/AGM types)Major constituents: Lead and lead compounds ~60%, Polypropylene casing ~20%, Sulfuric acid electrolyte ~15%, Other (separators, copper terminals) ~5%
Common Errors – Correct Approach
Wrong
Generic description: "hazardous waste" or "battery scrap"
Correct
Use the specific commercial name and list all major constituents
Wrong
No constituent percentages given
Correct
Approximate concentrations are required — ranges are acceptable
Wrong
Mixture fractions not separately described
Correct
Each distinct fraction must be identified with its own name, composition, and intended operation
Wrong
Composition inconsistent with Block 14 waste codes
Correct
The description in Block 12 must logically support the classification codes declared in Block 14
Wrong
Chemical analysis required by importing country not attached
Correct
Check importing country requirements — attach analysis as a numbered annex and reference it in Block 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "approximate" mean I can round figures broadly?
▼
Approximate percentages should be as accurate as reasonably possible. Competent authorities use these figures to assess risk — figures like "Lead: 10–90%" are too broad to be useful and will trigger queries.
Is a formal laboratory analysis always required?
▼
Not universally — but many importing countries require it by national law. Check the competent authority requirements for the specific country of import before submission.
What if the composition varies across batches?
▼
Provide the typical range for each constituent and note that composition is representative. For materials like ULABs with consistent chemistry, this is straightforward.
Supporting Documents
- vCOP8 Official Form and Completion Instructions — Block 12— Official Basel Convention form instructions for Block 12 completion.
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DexMetal Expert Tip
Block 12 and Block 14 must tell a consistent story. If Block 12 describes lead-acid batteries, Block 14 should carry code A1160 and Y-code Y31. Authorities cross-check these fields — inconsistencies are a primary rejection trigger.
← Back to
Block 11: Operation Code
Next →
Block 13: Physical Characteristics
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