New import guidelines on “recycled raw materials” in China

The institute of scrap recycling industries (ISRI), Washington, approved China’s ministry of ecology and Environment guidelines for the implementation of brass, copper and aluminium “recycled raw materials* standards, previously intended to be introduced in July. As of November 1st, these standards are implemented, aiming to encourage ISRI’s position that scrap is not waste.

The president of ISRI, Robin Wiener says in a news release about china’s new standards: “China is doing just that with selected grades of nonferrous scrap, and we are expecting China to establish additional standards for ferrous metals and plastic pellets in 2021.”

She adds, “ ISRI applauds the Chinese government for setting an example, and we call on other governments around the world to follow their lead in recognizing scrap is not waste but a necessary ingredient for achieving a green economy.”

In addition to the implementation date, the updated guidelines were published on November 19 state:
• “The Harmonized Tariff Codes to identify imported material under these standards are:
1. 7404.00.00.20 for brass,
2. 7404.00.00.30 for copper
3. 7602.00.00.20 for aluminum;

• The import quotas already issued in 2020 for material under the existing “solid waste” regime will be honored; and

• Material that does not comply with the standards will not be permitted for import.

The material will enter for import under harmonized tariff codes for scrap. However, the last two digits of up-mentioned codes will be the key identifier between scrap entering under the “recycling raw materials” regime and the outgoing “solid waste” regime, says ISRI.

“This is an important step taken by the Chinese government, recognizing that recyclable materials used in manufacturing are not waste and need to be allowed to move in the global marketplace,” ISRI notes in the news release.

Read the whole news article here: