BIR Announces Topics for Fall Meeting

Due to significant interest by its members, the Bureau of International Recycling has announced several key topics that will be a focal point during its fall meeting, scheduled to be held Oct. 29-31 in Brussels, Belgium.

The key issues include AQSIQ, China’s inspection authority, introducing an electronic system for pre-inspection, called E-PSI. While the CCIC has been providing training courses on the program, several questions remain about the program, and the BIR will provide extra coverage of the operation.

The BIR fall meeting also will cover a proposal on a new EU regulatory framework for Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH), which was adopted in October, 20033. BIR reports that it has been monitoring the issue and will provide information to members on the impact this will have on the European recycling industries, and those non-EU companies that export recyclables.

The BIR also announced it is finalizing and introducing a set of tools to help companies implement an ISO Environmental Management system for association members. The decision to put this program into place follows international mandates to better manage hazardous waste. Also, the OECD has recommended that both recovery and disposal operations (including scrap dealers, processors and consumers) for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials should be handled in an environmentally sound manner.

The BIR also announced that it has invited a delegation from India that will discuss trade issues with India, including a special focus on DGFT regulations.