Al-Nahrain Center Discusses the Challenges and Solutions of the Trade in Used Foreign Goods (Bale)

Category: Workshops

Publish Date: 2026-01-21 08:35:54

The Al-Nahrain Center for Strategic Studies organized a specialized joint workshop between the Department of Social Studies and the Department of Technological Studies and Cybersecurity, dedicated to discussing the issue of used foreign goods (bale) and its multiple dimensions. The workshop was held on Monday, 19 January 2026, with the participation of a select group of researchers and specialists, and in the presence of representatives from governmental entities and relevant private-sector stakeholders.

The workshop addressed an in-depth analysis of the social, economic, and security dimensions associated with the spread of the trade in used goods in the local market, highlighting its impacts on consumption patterns, the labor market, and the national economy, as well as its health, environmental, security, and regulatory repercussions. Participants also discussed the challenges resulting from the weakness of regulatory frameworks and standard specifications governing this activity.

The workshop witnessed a particular focus on the contents of some bale shipments that include damaged electronic materials or items that have reached the end of their operational lifespan, and the environmental risks they pose due to containing heavy metals and toxic substances that lead to soil and water pollution, in addition to the difficulty of managing their waste through safe methods. The discussions also addressed the entry of used or uninspected medical and laboratory tools and supplies, which constitutes a direct threat to public health due to the possibility of transmitting microbial or chemical contaminants, or being used outside approved professional controls.

The participants emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination among regulatory, health, and environmental authorities, tightening inspection procedures and quality control at border crossings, and updating relevant legislation, in a manner that ensures reducing health and environmental risks and regulating this activity to achieve a balance between the economic dimension and the requirements of national health and environmental security.

Media Department of Al-Nahrain Center
21 January 2026