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Waste & Recycling August 22, 2017 03:30:12 PM

ISRI Tenders Comments to WTO on Chinese Scrap Import Ban

Paul Ploumis
ScrapMonster Author
The ISRI has sought clarification on ambiguity with respect to import restrictions on various paper and plastic grades.

ISRI Tenders Comments to WTO on Chinese Scrap Import Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has filed its comments on the proposed decision by the Chinese administration to ban imports of more scrap categories into the country. The comments in response to Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection’s (MEP) notification dated 18th July, 2017 were submitted to the World Trade Organization.

According to Robin Wiener, President, ISRI, the recycling body is in full support to Chinese efforts to improve environmental protection and standards within its domestic recycling infrastructure. However, the ban on exports of certain specification-grade commodities, commonly exported from the US to China is unlikely to help such efforts, Wiener noted.

In the letter, ISRI has sought clarification on items that are being classified under scrap and waste. The statement by Chinese authorities does not clearly specify the ‘waste’ categories that will be prohibited from imports. In many countries including China, the terms ‘waste’ and ‘solid waste’ are inclusive of both trash and scrap. There is no clear delineation between trash and scrap, it noted. The Chinese decision to ban some waste may impact shipments of certain commodities that are considered as scrap in the US and in other parts of the world. The letter seeks further clarification and requests the Chinese administration to be more specific in their terminology so as to avoid chaos.

The ISRI seeks clarification on ambiguity with respect to import restrictions on various paper and plastic grades. For example, it is not clearly mentioned whether imports of sorted recovered fiber conforming to (54) Mixed Paper (MP) as per ISRI Specifications Circular is allowed or forbidden for import into China. ISRI has also sought confirmation on non-inclusion of (11) Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) in the notification. The letter also demands clarity on status of import restriction on mixed paper grades.

The notification by Chinese authorities bans imports of ‘HS 3915: Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics’. However, the plastic specification grades mentioned in ISRI Specifications Circular does not correspond to the terminology used in the notification. ISRI has sought the WTO to make it clear whether the notification will be applicable to plastic bales originating from post-industrial sources. Clarity is also needed on whether imports of Clear LDPE Grade A in Bales are allowed or forbidden to be imported to China, ISRI noted.

Finally, ISRI also requests clarification on the exact date of implementation of the policy. Further, it demands longer transition time for exporters to adapt with the new regulations.

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