Vietnam to end plastic scrap imports from 2025
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Vietnam will not import plastic scrap from 2025 and will deal with the scrap consignments stuck at ports, the government has said. It has ordered the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to work with other government bodies to eliminate unnecessary procedures which are delaying their delivery.
Customs data shows almost 21,600 containers of scrap remain uncleared at ports as of February 22, 44 percent of them for more than three months.
The government instructed the environment ministry to issue environmental safety certificates to eligible containers so that their importers could use them to manufacture products. All imports of plastic scrap as feedstock would cease on December 31, 2024, it said.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc ordered to scrap imports temporarily last July, saying Vietnam must not become a dumping ground for other countries’ scrap, leaving thousands of containers stuck at ports for months.
His orders followed a surge in imports in the first six months after China banned imports of certain wastes.
But steel, paper and plastic industries have expressed concern since they need to import metal, paper and plastic scrap as feedstock.
Vietnam imported 9.2 million tons of scrap last year, up 14 percent from 2017, according to Vietnam Customs.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason for Vietnam's decision to ban plastic scrap imports?
What is the primary reason for Vietnam's decision to ban plastic scrap imports?
The Prime Minister stated Vietnam should not become a dumping ground for other countries' scrap. This decision followed a surge in imports after China banned certain waste materials.
Q.When will Vietnam's ban on plastic scrap imports come into effect?
When will Vietnam's ban on plastic scrap imports come into effect?
All imports of plastic scrap as feedstock will cease from December 31, 2024. This means the country will not import plastic scrap from 2025 onwards.
Q.What is being done about the large number of scrap containers currently stuck at ports?
What is being done about the large number of scrap containers currently stuck at ports?
The government has instructed the environment ministry to issue environmental safety certificates to eligible containers. This will allow importers to use these materials to manufacture products.
Q.Which industries have raised concerns about the impending ban on scrap imports?
Which industries have raised concerns about the impending ban on scrap imports?
The steel, paper, and plastic industries have expressed concern. They rely on importing metal, paper, and plastic scrap to use as feedstock in their manufacturing processes.
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