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Department Considers Implementing Stricter Regulations on Waste Paper Imports

Department Considers Implementing Stricter Regulations on Waste Paper Imports

The Foreign Trade Department is set to implement strict import control measures on waste paper to safeguard public health and the environment.

Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the department’s director-general, stated that the Commerce Ministry has been receiving periodic reports from entrepreneurs since the beginning of the year, indicating that imported waste paper is being utilized as raw material in factories for producing rolled paper and packaging.

An inspection by the ministry revealed waste paper that was mixed with other materials deemed hazardous, including plastic bottles, foam, plastic bags, aerosol cans, sanitary napkins, masks, medical bags, and hoses.

This situation suggests that imported waste paper is not being adequately separated, thereby failing to meet the new hygiene standards associated with country of origin regulations, according to the ministry.

Products containing waste and other contaminants are classified as municipal waste, which is explicitly prohibited from being imported under the Ministry of Commerce’s 2019 notification regarding the Determination of Municipal Waste as Prohibited Goods for Importation into, or Transit through, the Kingdom.

Importing waste paper that is mixed with potentially hazardous materials is illegal.

Mr. Ronnarong mentioned that if violations continue, the ministry may have to implement strict measures, such as completely banning waste paper imports or issuing import permits.

Importers are urged to exercise greater caution and focus on selecting reputable product distributors to prevent the introduction of goods classified as municipal waste into Thailand, which pose threats to the environment and public health.

The department, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is actively monitoring the inspection of imported goods to ensure environmental preservation and the protection of public health.

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