New Inspection Policy to Create Additional Burden on Exporters

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Indonesian government has imposed 100% inspection policy at the origin of supply for all recovered paper exported to that country. The new policy is applicable to all non-toxic and non-hazardous waste shipments including waste paper. The pre-shipment inspection policy is in effect from April 1, 2018.

According to notice issued by the inspection firm Cotecna, the exporter is required to present the complete lot of goods for inspection to the inspection authorities. The notice also outlines the procedures to be followed in case the goods are supplied from different locations. If the other locations are within the vicinity of the first inspection site, the inspector has to take photos of the goods by travelling to the sites. If the locations are not nearby, the goods will be treated as separate partials. In such cases, separate RFIs and inspection schedules need to be arranged.

The confirmed goods details including total weight and container details for shipments to Singapore and Malaysia must be provided within 1 day from inspection. The submission time period is set as 2 days for other ASEAN countries and 3 days for other Asian countries including the Middle East. The details of shipments to the U.S. and Canada must be provided within 4 days from inspection.

Meantime, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) noted that the new policy is likely to impact global recovered paper industry. The new restrictions and requirements will create additional burden on exporters, especially at a time when market is facing huge crisis due to Chinese import restrictions. On top of that, Vietnamese shipping terminals had recently announced temporary suspension of scrap plastic and paper imports, citing clearing delays due to huge build-up of containers.