China: Potential problems with imports of loose scrap materials?

Chinese customs seem to be planning additional regulations regarding the import of loose scrap materials, as per China customs notice nr. 21 presented on 29 March 2010. This was recently reported to BIR by some of its member companies currently doing business with China, quoting unofficial sources.

The full impact of the new rules, which is said to aim at a ban of all loose loads of scrap metal shipped to China,  is still unclear, but BIR is closely monitoring the issue through its contacts in China in order to counteract potential problems for international operators.

If you have additional information on this, please contact the BIR secretariat as soon as possible.