China issues new guidelines for export permits

According to a “Member Alert” dated Dec. 27, 2017, from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has issued new guidelines for exporters and suppliers applying for export permits to ship scrap into China. “Although not too different from current rules, there are some points you need to know,” ISRI states in the alert.

While ISRI says many of the qualifications remain the same, including ISO 9001 or RIOS (Recycling Industry Operating Standard) certifications, applicants also must achieve China’s environmental control standards (i.e., contaminants thresholds) and have radiation detection equipment at their facilities. 

ISRI also says China will continue to inspect material before and after it is shipped and that the China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC) will no longer be the only approved preshipment inspection company.

ISRI writes, “AQISQ lays out a process for third-party inspection companies to apply for a license from AQSIQ to conduct preshipment inspections but is clear that no processors may conduct inspections. These companies will also share the liability in the event material that was approved before shipment is rejected on arrival at a Chinese port.”

ISRI notes that “there is no specified time that a license will be issued, so we assume that the same guidelines should be adhered to apply not more than 180 days but not less than 90 days before a current license will expire.” 

The guidelines take effect Feb. 1, 2018.

ISRI reminds its members “only companies ‘in the business of processing and utilization’ in China will be eligible for a scrap import permit,” and advises them to “be sure you know your customer.”