Waste Import and Export Control
Waste Paper Import and Export Control
Enhanced Waste Paper Import and Export Control
Our neighbouring countries (e.g. Indonesia and Malaysia, etc.) have tightened their import control on various types of waste paper. Moreover, the authority of Chinese Mainland has banned the import of solid waste (including all waste paper) since end 2020. In view of the above, Hong Kong has enhanced its control on the import and export of waste paper.
Export of Waste Paper
Before exporting waste paper from Hong Kong, a declaration form and relevant documents must be submitted to the EPD for record purposes in advance. This is to prove that the waste paper shipments to be exported has been permitted or otherwise confirmed acceptable to the authority of the place of import, and meet the requirements under the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO) (Cap. 354). That means, the waste paper is (a) uncontaminated; and (b) exported for the purpose of a reprocessing, recycling, recovery operation or the reuse of the waste. The information EPD received also facilitate the strengthening of information exchange with the relevant states of import and export, and safeguard the legitimacy and smooth operation of the transboundary movements of the waste. Declaration forms, "Notice to Declarant" and sample declaration forms can be downloaded from the hyperlinks below.
i) Declaration Form for Export of Waste Paper; ii)Notice to Declarant; iii) Sample Declaration Form
Re-export of Waste Paper
Waste paper may be re-exported via Hong Kong only by means of transshipment or transit. No declaration is required for waste paper transshipped or transited via Hong Kong, provided that following conditions are met: (a) the waste paper shipment is not destined for Chinese Mainland or Hong Kong; (b) the waste paper shipment is covered by a through Bill of Lading, which clearly states the place of loading and discharge; and (c) remains within the areas of container terminals during the transshipment or transit operation in Hong Kong.
Import of Waste Paper
Since there is no recycling facility in Hong Kong that can receive imported waste paper at present, no waste paper import is allowed.
Guidelines on Import and Export Control of Waste Paper
The EPD has prepared a set of “Guidelines on Import and Export Control of Waste Paper” which specifies the details of requirements and issues to note regarding waste paper import and export control.
Guidelines on Import and Export Control of Waste Paper
Submission of Declaration Form
Please submit the completed declaration form and relevant documents to the EPD by email (wasteimportandexport@epd.gov.hk), and fill in the subject of the email by "Declaration for Export of Waste Paper". Electronic submission can expedite the processing by facilitating EPD to follow-up with the authorities of the places of import and export and other organizations. Declaration form and relevant documents may also be mailed, faxed or submitted in person by the following means:
| Email: | wasteimportandexport@epd.gov.hk |
| Fax: | (852) 2305 0453 |
| Address: | Environmental Protection Department |
| Environmental Compliance Division | |
| Territorial Control Office | |
| 28/F, Southorn Centre | |
| 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, HK |
Waste Paper Export Declaration Verification System
The EPD will return a reference number to acknowledge receipt of the documents. An online verification system is available for the shipping trade to verify acknowledgement letters issued by the EPD. Once a valid reference number is entered the website below, part of the information of the relevant acknowledgement letter issued in the past 4 months will be displayed for verification.
https://epdwasteiedeclarationcheck.hk/
Enquiry
| Email: | wasteimportandexport@epd.gov.hk |
| Telephone: | (852) 2835 2311 |
| Fax: | (852) 2305 0453 |