China – Stricter Waste Importation Regulations

One of the Club’s China correspondents, Huatai Insurance Agency & Consultant Service Ltd, has reported that the Chinese Government has implemented stricter controls on waste importation by adding a substantial number of solid waste types to the list of banned wastes which cannot be imported into China without a license. Their full advice, along with the current list of all excluded waste cargoes can be accessed by clicking here.

The potential consequences of breaching the regulations for Shipowners are:-

1. A fine between RMB 100,000 and RMB 1,000,000; and
2. Costs of disposal of the waste; and
3. Depending upon the offence, a criminal prosecution.

Given the above listed potential consequences, Members - if asked to carry waste cargoes - are recommended to be duly diligent in verifying whether such cargoes are listed as banned or restricted solid waste before accepting the booking, including (but not limited to) obtaining the customs code and relevant licence.