Chinese officials to adopt ‘very strict’ approach to US imports

Global: Following the earlier news of the Chinese government’s temporary suspension of CCIC North America (CCIC-NA) certification operations in the USA, the BIR world recycling organisation has provided further details of the announcement, which highlights China’s intention to ‘strengthen the inspection and supervision on importation of wastes as raw materials’ from the USA with immediate effect.

All imports will be unpacked and 100% checked and quarantined. Moreover, laboratory testing and analysis will be conducted on: thermosetting plastics; powder-containing metal scrap; and special papers (such as silicone paper, waxed paper, thermal paper, waterproof paper) aside from regular waste paper.

Customs officials will be ‘very strict’ on verifying all inspection documents, including pre-shipment certificates and shipping documents, it states, adding that ‘any irregularities will be immediately reported to the inspection and supervision department of the General Administration of Customs’.

BIR expresses concern that containers already on the water from the USA to China, having been inspected before shipment but without yet receiving the full and authentic CCIC certificate from CCIC-NA, will be rejected on arrival at Chinese ports. The world body adds: ‘Rumour has it that exporting companies may be severely penalised in case of rejection at the Chinese port of entry, even to the extent of losing their AQSIQ licence as a supply enterprise.’