A document published by Vietnam Customs has shown that the country will introduce 100% container inspections for recycling imports.
Following an increase in the number of containers entering the country, including a rise in abandoned containers, Vietnam is introducing new import regulations. This increase in imports is seen as a result of bans and restrictions placed on imports of recycled material into countries including China and Thailand.
Customs authorities in the country will now be required to carry out a visual inspection of every container that includes paper, plastic and metals to check it meets Vietnam’s environmental protection laws.
Shipping lines will also need to provide a manifest at least four days prior to docking, with Vietnam Customs having the right to refuse the unloading of containers that contain scrap products that do not meet Vietnamese law. These will then need to be returned to the point of origin.
In order to prevent the abandonment of containers, importers will be required to provide an escrow on imported goods. This will mean that importers will need paperwork to show that the escrow is certified by either Vietnam Environment Protection Fund or by a bank.
At least 15 days before import, a deposit must be paid on this to receive the certification. The deposit amounts are:
- Iron and Steel scrap:
- Volume imported under 500 tonnes must make a deposit of 10% of the value of imported goods loads
- Volume imported from 500 tonnes to 1,000 tonnes must make a deposit of 15% of the value of imported goods loads
- Volume imported over 1,000 tonnes must make a deposit of 20% of the value of imported goods loads
- Waste Paper and Plastic scrap:
- Volume imported under 100 tonnes of waste paper and waste plastic must make a deposit of 15% of the value of imported goods loads
- Volume imported from 100 tonnes to less than 500 tonnes must make a deposit of 18% of the total value of the imported goods loads
- Volume imported over 500 tonnes must make a deposit of 20% of the total value of imported goods loads.
The document was issued on 17 July 2018 and is effective immediately. Vietnam Customs will be notifying shipping lines of the changes, who will then notify their customers.
