China launches a 1-Year Customs Law Enforcement Campaign to crack down on smuggling of “foreign waste” (certain waste and scrap)

BIR would like to inform its members that through its permanent advisor on Chinese legislative affairs it has been made aware of a recent news item issued by Xinhua News Agency.

The agency reported that the Chinese Customs and Excise Department of the People's Republic of China will launch a one-year joint campaign called "National Sword 2017” to crack down on smuggling. "National Sword 2017" will focus on "foreign waste", agricultural products, resource products, tax-related goods, drugs and guns and other illegal smuggling activities.

The "foreign waste" of concern to the Chines authorities includes the illegal activities of smuggling solid wastes such as industrial waste, electronic waste, household waste and plastic waste. The Chinese customs will further strengthen the cooperation with all localities, the relevant departments and industry associations.

The full text of the news and a tentative translation can be accessed here.

In relation to this issue, the Bureau of International Recycling had presented the activities of its member companies and national associations to the Chinese Authorities, the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and other competent authorities from China such as the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), Ministry for the Environment Protection (MEP) at the end of last year supporting the even-handed implementation and enforcement of laws. See BIR e-Brief of November 2016