Chinese import ban for solid waste: new contaminants thresholds confirmed

Today, BIR has been informed that China has officially notified the WTO of its intent to adopt the GB 16487 Environmental Protection Control standards for a certain number of wastes. The following percentages were communicated as the applicable thresholds for impurities: Smelt slag 0.5%, wood 0.5%,  paper 0.5%, ferrous 0.5%, non-ferrous 1%, waste electric motors 0.5%, wires and cables 0.5%, metal and appliance scrap 0.5%, vessels 0.05%, plastic  0.5%, autos 0.3%.

The Chinese standards state a proposed adoption date of 31 December 2017 and a proposed date for entry into force of 1 March 2018.

While in most cases (paper, ferrous, non-ferrous, plastics) the thresholds are not as low as initially feared (0.3%), the proposed percentages are still far from the figures that the industry considers feasible and acceptable. BIR is nevertheless pleased that the Chinese government has taken into account some of the industry’s concerns and therefore our lobbying efforts, coordinated with our National Associations Members, including ISRI, EuRIC, CMRA, CSPA and CAMU, were fruitful to a certain extent.

BIR, together with its member associations, will submit official comments on behalf of the industry to WTO before 15 December to ensure that the industry’s concerns are heard and understood.