BIR Calls For AQSIQ Postponement

The Bureau of International Recycling has called for a further delay in the implementation of China’s AQSIQ policy. The Brussels, Belgium-based recycling association, in a letter sent to AQSIQ, expressed concern that with the Jan. 1, 2005 deadline approaching there has been a delay in the publication of the further list of registered overseas suppliers.

According to the BIR, the updated list was expected to be posted on AQSIQ’s website Dec. 20. However, it has yet to appear. And, the BIR claims that many well-established companies whose applications have already been received by AQSIQ would not be authorized to ship to China.

Without a “registration number”, these companies would be denied the authorization to export by the Chinese pre-inspection authorities and by the shipping lines.

In its letter to two major AQSIQ officials who are in charge of the “overseas suppliers” registration procedures, BIR stated that “As a responsible organization, BIR cannot accept that administrative hindrances and delays prevent well-established companies and regular suppliers to ship valuable commodities to their Chinese Customers.”

The BIR has urged AQSIQ to postpone once again the deadline for registration until March 1, 2005.

“This is the only way to allow those companies whose applications were received and accepted by AQSIQ in due time to continue to do business with Chinese in the coming weeks.” –stated BIR Director General, Francis Veys.

According to reports from China, after Jan. 1, Chinese port inspectors will only handle exports from registered firms. Scrap from unregistered exporters will be denied entry, he said.

Chinese port inspectors, with the help of advanced inspecting equipment, are expected to examine scrap on its arrival to make sure it meets China's parameters for environmental protection and safety.

Companies that are discovered to be shipping hazardous material will be put on a blacklist, and be restricted from shipping for three years.

Nationwide, Chinese entry inspectors checked $8 billion worth of scrap imports this year through to November. A total of 4,714 separate shipments, valued at $150 million, from the United States, Japan and other regions, were returned or destroyed

AQSIQ has been asked to treat this registration issue as a matter of urgency to the best interest of the Chinese consuming industry and of the recycling sector worldwide.