ISRI Submits Comments on Chinese Scrap Import Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has announced that it has submitted its comments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the proposed scrap import regulations by the Chinese administration.

In its submission, ISRI noted that the organization extends full support to Chinese efforts to prevent foreign garbage from entering that country. However, additional clarity and certain modifications to the proposed standards are required to ensure proper implementation and compliance with the worldwide recycling industry.

The very definition of what comprises of other carried waste need to be clarified, ISRI said. A written clarification on this by the Chinese authorities will make things more transparent so that loads shipped from countries do not face any hurdle in clearance from ports, to be transported to Chinese buyer locations. The definition in its current form is too broad and general. Also, the thresholds of allowable carried waste need to be adjusted to be in line with international specifications.

Also, ISRI demanded more time to effectively communicate the new standards to its members. In addition, more time is required to provide adequate training to inspectors in order to ensure consistency in enforcement. If the standards are implemented effective March next year, exporters have very little time to make investments and incorporate necessary processing changes for shipments that must leave during January so as to reach destination port on or after March 1^st, 2018. It is obvious that such investments take time for integration. Hence ISRI demanded that Chinese administration should allow for necessary delay in implementing the new standards.

According to ISRI, the cross-border trade of specification grade scrap is a critical pillar of global recycling industry. Clarity on procedures is required to promote safe, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling by more than 1,300 member companies located across the globe. These materials are critical inputs for a large number of small-scale to large-scale manufacturers of consumer and industrial goods in China. Being, the largest scrap supplier in the world, the US recycling industry would be the worst affected, ISRI noted.

Earlier, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) had also submitted its comments to the WTO, urging the Chinese administration to delay the implementation of standards at least until Jan 1, 2022. Also, the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) have also called the Chinese administration to reconsider changes to recyclable standards.