China to collect applications for scrap metal import licences from next month, trade group says
- Imports of high-grade scrap copper, and types of aluminium and steel will be restricted from July 1
- Licences will be issued to selected exporters after that date
Chinese authorities will start accepting applications for licences to import unspecified quantities of soon to be restricted types of scrap metal from late May, the recycling branch of the China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association said.
The world’s top metals consumer has been clamping down on scrap imports as part of a campaign against foreign solid waste, leaving overseas scrap exporters scrambling to find other markets.
Imports of low-grade copper scrap such as coiled cable and waste motors – known as Category 7 – have been banned since the start of the year. The government said in December that imports of eight further kinds of scrap, including high-grade scrap copper known as Category 6, as well as types of aluminium and steel scrap, would be restricted from July 1.
Provincial units of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment can start collecting applications for import licences for these eight items from late May, the recycling association said in a statement after an industry meeting in the eastern city of Ningbo on Friday.
From July 1, the ministry itself will formally accept and approve import licence applications, it said, without disclosing the total tonnage quota available.