Tianjin, China — Customs officials in north China’s Tianjin Municipality have recently intercepted 20.47 tonnes of illegally imported solid waste concealed in a container declared as “empty.”
The seized material was identified as scraps generated from the production of latex products. Authorities suspect that the waste was being smuggled into the country, bypassing China’s stringent import regulations on foreign waste.
Investigations are currently underway to uncover the network behind this illegal importation. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in combating the smuggling of solid waste, which poses significant risks to the environment and public health.
China, once the world’s largest importer of solid waste, began accepting such materials in the 1980s to support its raw material needs. However, the influx of foreign waste exceeded the country’s disposal and recycling capacities, leading to environmental degradation and health concerns.
Recognizing these issues, China enacted a comprehensive ban on all solid waste imports effective January 1, 2021. Since then, enhanced customs enforcement and increased public awareness have contributed to a significant decline in illegal waste imports.
This recent seizure in Tianjin underscores the effectiveness of the tightened regulations but also serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance. The Chinese government remains committed to enforcing environmental protection laws and holding violators accountable.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
