BIR: Signs of China intensifying its scrap import controls

China – The Chinese ministry of environmental protection has set up 60 inspection teams that will work throughout July to inspect and review all Chinese companies importing waste and scrap into the country, according to an email alert sent by the BIR world recycling organisation to its members.

‘According to our sources in China, there has been a temporary stop on certain scrap import approvals since 1st June 2017,’ says BIR. ‘This does not affect shipments authorised before 1st June but affects scrap on the restricted import catalogue, such as: waste, parings and scrap of plastics; other waste paper or paperboard, including unsorted waste and scrap; mixed waste metals; waste electric motors; waste wires.’

BIR is ‘closely monitoring’ the situation and will keep its members informed of any further developments, it says. ‘No formal import ban has been announced yet,’ it is stressed. However, BIR has asked its members to report ‘any import disruptions in China’.