China: Official confirmation that import of high-grade PET does not need license

Further to our news dated 15 May 2018 BIR has received information that the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment has officially replied to the General Office of the General Administration of Customs, confirming that the import of high-grade PET as ordinary goods is allowed and in accordance with general trade regulation (please see attached official document*).

Materials falling under category A, B and C as defined in Textile Industry Standard of the People's Republic of China: Regenerated Polyester (PET) Bottle-Grade Chips (FZ/T 51008-2014) that meet the criteria can be imported as ordinary goods – without a license.

It is interesting to note that in the document, reference is made that “any material that does not need to be restored and processed for its original use purpose shall not be managed as solid waste”.

BIR will keep you informed on any further update in this matter.

(*) Please note that the embedded English translation is not official and is provided for information purposes only