In view of the ongoing industrial activities of enterprises in special economic zones and exporting units, in order to ensure smooth compliance with relevant norms, entities operating in special economic zones and exporting units comply with the six-month window period prohibiting the import of waste plastics, for example, until 31 August 2019. In the meantime, imports of plastic waste can be allowed.
Global Plastic Recycling Market Shocked
According to statistics, India's plastic imports soared from 12,000 tons in the previous fiscal year to 48,000 tons in fiscal year 2017-2018.
Although the recovery rate of plastic waste in India is not low, the recovery rate is far behind the output rate. 44% of the 26,000 tons of plastic waste produced in India every day cannot be recycled, and the situation is worsened by the dramatic increase in imports.
India's Ministry of Environmental Protection acknowledges that "the huge difference between waste generation and recycling capacity" is an important consideration in the overall ban on imports of plastic waste. In addition, India plans to phase out all disposable plastic products by 2022.
Some insiders believe that India's new ban is bound to have a new impact on the international recycling system. In 2018, after China banned the import of 24 kinds of solid waste, western countries began to take India and Southeast Asia as the main export objects of plastic waste. But then, Southeast Asian countries began to introduce a series of restrictions, including Thailand's announcement that plastic waste imports would be banned in 2021.
"At first it was China, but then Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and now India imposed restrictions on imports of plastic recycling." Darrell Smith, CEO of the American Waste and Recycling Association, said, "It's bound to challenge the plastic recycling market.