Indonesia enforces strict rules for PCBs management

The Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 29 of 2020 on the management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (hereinafter referred to as the regulation) was enacted in Indonesia on December 30, 2020, and came into effect on the same day. The regulation covers polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their wastes, and regulates their reduction, storage and treatment. If you are using equipment containing PCBs, it is required to eliminate them by December 31, 2028.

The original text of this regulation can be downloaded from:
http://jdih.menlhk.co.id/uploads/files/P_29_2020_PENGELOLAAN_POLYCHLORINATED_BIPHENYLS_menlhk_01132021122424.pdf

PCBs covered by this regulation

PCBs covered by the regulation are those that fall under the following categories:

1. Transformers that meet the following conditions:

• • • • manufactured prior to 1997;
      • wet type;
      • having a power of at least 100 kVA;
      • having a drain (outlet);
      • using dielectric oil with the trade name listed in Annex I of the regulation;

2. Capacitor with a trade name listed in Annex II of the regulation; and

3. Dielectric oil with the trade name listed in Annex I of the regulation.

Identification of whether equipment is regulated or not

First of all, the business entities have to make an identification in accordance with Articles 5 to 12 of the regulation in order to confirm the applicability/non-applicability of the above conditions. It is mandatory to conduct this identification works by December 31, 2022.

After identification, symbols and labels must be affixed to transformers, capacitors, and dielectric oil. The labels must contain the following information:

1. PCBs concentration value;
2. Serial number of the equipment;
3. Date of labeling; and
4. A  statement below that the transformer, capacitor, and dielectric oil contain the specific concentration values (equal to 50 ppm) of PCBs:
   – below the PCBs concentration limit; or
   – above the PCBs concentration limit.

An example of a label to be attached is shown in the figure below. Details are provided in Annex 4 of the regulation.

Report on PCBs

When storing or processing PCBs covered by the regulation, a report summarizing the following items must be prepared. This report is required as part of the Hazardous Waste Management Permit Report.

1. Name, address, and detailed contact information of the entity and person responsible for PCBs management;
2. PCBs identification results;
3. Location coordinates of transformers, capacitors, or dielectric oil;
4. Storage of PCBs or their treatment performed;
5. Results of monitoring (self-monitoring) of storage or handling of PCBs; and
6. Emergency response system for hazardous waste management.