Interpretation of Import Waste Management Policies: Customs Supervision Requirements and Compliance Guidelines

Import waste management is a key regulatory area for China's customs and environmental protection authorities. China's policy on solid waste imports has undergone significant changes—from the previous "restricted imports" to a gradual shift toward "comprehensive prohibition." It is crucial for enterprises to understand the latest policy stance and ensure compliance management.

I. Evolution of China's Import Waste Management Policy

In 2017, the State Council issued the "Implementation Plan for Banning Foreign Garbage Imports and Promoting the Reform of the Solid Waste Import Management System," marking a new stage in China's import waste management. Subsequently, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the General Administration of Customs, and other departments successively adjusted the import waste management catalog, including solid wastes that were originally allowed to be imported into the prohibited import scope in batches.

The revised "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste" in 2020 further tightened supervision. Since January 1, 2021, China has completely banned the import of solid waste, achieving the goal of zero imports of "foreign garbage."

II. Current Comprehensive Import Ban Landscape (Since 2021)

After the comprehensive import ban in 2021, China no longer has ordinary solid waste import channels. The current policy stance is:

• General solid waste is universally prohibited from import. Enterprises no longer need to apply for import licenses, and there is no conventional channel for "applying for imports."
• Only a very small number of special recycled raw materials explicitly allowed by the state can be imported after strict approval at the national level, provided they meet the requirements of standards such as the "Environmental Protection Control Standards for Imported Solid Waste Used as Raw Materials."
• The previously common systems such as the "Solid Waste Import Permit" and pre-shipment inspection have been removed from the ordinary import process with the comprehensive import ban.

III. Key Points for Enterprise Compliance Operations

Under the current comprehensive import ban, the focus for enterprises in import customs declaration is to avoid crossing regulatory red lines:

1. Do not circumvent the import ban—Do not declare prohibited imported solid waste under the names of "recycled raw materials," "by-products," "test samples," etc. for import.
2. Verify the nature of the goods in advance—Before importing, confirm whether the goods are recycled raw materials allowed by the state and comply with the corresponding national standards.
3. Declare truthfully—Truthfully declare information such as product name, quantity, and country of origin. Do not conceal, omit, or mix in undeclared items.
4. Monitor catalog updates—Keep track of import catalog adjustments and announcements issued by the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment in a timely manner.

IV. Risks and Penalties for Violations

Enterprises that violate import waste management regulations will face the following penalties: Customs will, in accordance with the law, order the return of illegally imported solid waste and impose a fine of not less than 100,000 yuan nor more than 1 million yuan; if the circumstances are serious, the relevant business license may be revoked; if a crime constitutes, criminal liability will be pursued in accordance with the law.

V. Bofeng Logistics' Customs Declaration Services

Bofeng Logistics has a professional customs declaration team familiar with various import and export supervision policies of customs. It can provide enterprises with one-stop customs declaration services including import goods declaration, document review, and customs clearance consultation. If you have import declaration needs, please feel free to consult Bofeng Logistics.

Note: Specific import catalogs and policy requirements are subject to the latest announcements of the General Administration of Customs and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.