BIR Updates on Key Regulatory Changes in Scrap Plastic Trade

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has provided updates on recent regulatory changes towards stricter plastic waste trade in countries such as China and Hong Kong.

According to the international recycling body, the Chinese customs authorities have taken one step forwards in its ongoing initiative to impose stricter controls on imports of recycled plastics pellets into the country. The new rule states that pellets cannot be shipped as being mixed together. They must be uniform in their color, size and packaging. Ever since the new rules went into effect in September this year, the shipment of pellet loads to China by recycling companies across the world has dropped significantly.

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Furthermore, the Chinese officials are expected to announce updated quality standards for recycled plastic pellets effective January 2021, which may further make it difficult for exporters to comply with.

Meantime, Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department issued new guidelines to restrict volumes of imported scrap plastic. Accordingly, imports must be notified to the agency, along with providing a set of supporting documents. Certain plastic categories, such as mixed plastics, would be subject to stricter permit and notification procedures. The authorities have also decided to carry out widespread raids on local recycling facilities to ensure that they comply with the government rules.