The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced plans to introduce a regulatory framework to manage the importation of used clothing, known locally as “Obroni wawu.”

The move follows a Channel One TV documentary titled ‘Rags and Riches’, which highlighted the environmental threats posed by the improper disposal of unwearable second-hand clothing imported into the country.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, March 16, the EPA’s Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, Larry Kotoe, said the proposed policy will adopt an extended producer responsibility approach.

He explained that the policy will hold fashion brands and importers accountable for the disposal and management of used clothing.

“We are currently at the drafting stage, where we will be handing over the technical tracker, as we call it, to the Attorney General’s Department. We hope to have it in Parliament in June,” he said.