The South India Copier Dealers Association has expressed concern over the clause that importers of second-hand digital multifunction print and copying machines (in good working conditions with residual life of five to six years) must obtain permission from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Since July 2011, second hand copiers have been treated as hazardous wastes under entry no. B1110 in Schedule III, Part B Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movements) Rules 2008.

According to Mr Vijay Baid, President, South India Copier Dealers Association, these second-hand machines have been imported into India for many decades and they have not caused any kind of environmental threat to the public at any time.

The import of second-hand machines has been generating employments for thousands of young entrepreneurs, educated, skilled and unskilled masses. It is estimated that over 10 lakh families are dependant on the income from this industry.

The cost of new machines are much more than the second-hand machines. Copying centres charge between 0.30 paise and 0.50 paise per copy using second-hand machines, while new machines would cost between Rs 2 and Rs 3 per copy.

Many countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and India importing used machines from the developed countries in good condition. Prices are affordable to young entrepreneurs. Several industries such as Information Technology, Media and other corporate companies take these secondhand machines on lease, said a release.

The import of other second-hand machines such printing machineries, medical equipment and textile machinery are freely importable, the release added.

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