Information by the North of England P&I Club
New measures for the import of solid wastes to China will take effect on 01 August 2011. The measures shall govern the import of solid waste into the territory of China from abroad including from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Although the title refers to the import of solid waste the regulations also apply to semi-solid, liquid and gas waste.
There are 3 categories of waste under the regulations. Non-official English translations of each category are provided at the links below: –
- Prohibited Import of Solid Waste
- Restricted Import of Solid Waste
- Solid waste subject to Automatic Licensing Import
Under the regulations, when shipping waste to China, carriers must request shippers to provide: –
(1) A related import license for importing solid waste into China;
(2) The registration certificate of the domestic consignee importing solid waste for raw materials;
(3) The registration certificate of the overseas supplier importing solid waste for raw materials;
(4) A pre-loading inspection certificate of imported solid waste for raw materials.
Where waste has not been imported in compliance with the regulations then the authorities may require the consignees or the carriers to return the cargo to the port of origin at their cost.
Obviously the costs and associated administrative difficulties arranging import of previously exported waste may be considerable. Where the consignees cannot be identified then the costs and responsibility for arrangements will fall to the carriers.
If any waste designated by the authorities has not been retransported within three months then enforcement measures can be taken against the carrier or importer.
Where waste does not have to be retransported, but is not in compliance with the regulations, then such waste may be auctioned or sent for processing at the cost of the importer or carrier, where the importers cannot be identified.
Additionally carriers will be expected to record all relevant details concerning the waste, including type, quantity, weight, destination, consignee etc. The original vouchers, related documentations and image data shall be kept, for record purposes, by the vessel for no less than 3 years.
Source: The North of England P&I Club
