Chinese officials increase inspections at ports.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) reports that Chinese custom officials are carrying out intense investigations within the domestic nonferrous scrap industry. The Chinese government has expressed the belief that some importers are attempting to avoid paying full duties and other tariffs by means of not properly declaring the values and/or metallic content of scrap.

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Anti-smuggling units from various jurisdictions have visited a number of scrap yards throughout China. To secure evidence, customs officials have also requested information from some representative offices of foreign companies.

Because of the intense investigations, there are reports that port congestion has increased, and BIR members report that buyers have been unable to clear customs properly.

The BIR is attempting to find out more information on the export situation, though the association says it refrains from commenting on internal investigative activities

In the meantime, BIR members exporting to China are requested to strictly follow all the rules and regulations pertinent to proper classification, grading and documentary protocol. Details on regulations for shipments to China are available on the BIR Web site at www.bir.org

The association also stresses that scrap companies based in Europe or that wish to export recyclables/scrap from an EU member state are advised to abide by the recently published EU regulations.