China has amended its regulation on importing solid waste.
In August 2017, the Chinese authorities placed 24 types of solid waste on an import ban list.
However, local correspondents have advised that in April 2018 the authorities announced the following changes:
- 16 types of solid waste including scrap metal, scrap ship and industrial waste will be added to the list as of 31 December 2018.
- 16 types of solid waste including stainless steel waste/scrap and wood waste/scrap will be added to the list as of 31 December 2019.
Importing such wastes without an appropriate licence will result in customs ordering the return of the waste and a fine of between RMB 100,000 and RMB 1 million (approximately US$ 15,000 and US$157,000).