China Environmental Import License
Importing plastic scrap into China can be confusing. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty confused when I started. Hopefully this article can clears things up for you! First, let’s get one thing clear, you need licenses to export scrap AND import scrap into China. To export plastic scrap to China, you need to register with AQSIQ and have CCIC inspect your commodity before shipment.
What is an Environmental Import License?
To import scrap into China, you need an “Import License of the People’s Republic of China for Restricted Solid Waste that can be Used as Raw Materials” or Environmental Import License for short. On the import license is the name of the registering company, description of goods the company can import (the type of plastics),
a quota for the amount of material the company can import, a specific port of clearance (that is, Shanghai, Ningbo, etc…), and more. These licenses are usually issued only to processors or end users of scrap.
This is a sample of the Environmental Import License (click to view image):
Don’t have an import license? Most customs declaration companies in China that deal with plastic scrap can assist you with borrowing the import license. I can also arrange this for you, send me an email at andrew[@]recycledplastic.com.
This is a list of documents you need for importing plastic scrap into China:
- AQSIQ Certificate (copy)
- CCIC Clearance (original)
- Bill of Lading
- Import License (if you have one)
- Loading Pictures / Pictures of the Commodity
How do I Use the Import License?
Once you have all the documentations ready, it is time to declare your commodity with the Chinese customs. Declaring the commodity as “Plastic Scrap” is not enough as a value must be placed on the commodity for calculating customs duties (paid per metric ton). Depending on the type of plastic scrap (that is, PP, PS, ABS, etc…), the customs will associate it with a market value. This, of course, changes with the increase and or decrease in Chinese plastic prices.
The entire process starting from the arrival of the container to having it ready for pick up usually takes 5 business days. While most container lines offer 7 days free-time, try to get at least 10 days with 14 days being ideal.
There are also a couple ways you can save on customs duties. I’m not going to get into this here, however, you can shoot me an email at andrew[@]recycledplastic.com, I will be more than happy to discuss options with you.
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