Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the need for stricter regulation and management of imported recycled paper pulp to prevent environmental risks and promote a green, safe, and high-quality development in the paper industry [3][4][8]. Group 1: Regulatory Developments - Recent discussions among experts highlight the inadequacies in national standards for imported recycled paper pulp, particularly concerning the risks associated with "foreign waste" [3][4]. - The General Administration of Customs has issued new guidelines and requirements for the declaration of imported recycled paper pulp, aiming to enhance supervision and regulation [4][5]. - The approval of the revised national standard for recycled paper pulp is a significant step, with the Paper Industry Standardization Technical Committee responsible for its organization [5][10]. Group 2: Environmental and Safety Concerns - Experts have raised concerns about the dry processing method for producing recycled paper pulp, which lacks adequate purification processes and poses safety risks, including fire and explosion hazards [7][8]. - The current national standard (GB/T43393-2023) is criticized for its lack of mandatory constraints and insufficient specifications regarding biological safety and bacterial content in imported products [7][8]. - The absence of microbial testing indicators in the existing standards allows low-quality raw materials to enter the country, complicating customs regulation [8][9]. Group 3: Industry Consensus and Recommendations - The "Beijing Consensus" calls for strict enforcement of hard standards for imported recycled paper pulp, including prohibitions on rotten pulp and hazardous materials [8][9]. - The consensus advocates for the differentiation between dry and wet production methods in the revised national standards and suggests raising strength indicators to enhance quality control [8][9]. - Experts urge the paper industry to align with national carbon neutrality strategies and invest in green technology innovation [9][10]. Group 4: Market Dynamics and Future Outlook - In 2024, China is projected to import approximately 4.14 million tons of recycled paper pulp, with dry processed pulp accounting for about 3.8% of domestic pulp supply [10]. - The anticipated increase in domestic pulp production capacity to over 3.5 million tons by 2026-2027 is expected to reduce reliance on imports [10].

Core Viewpoint - The announcement by multiple government departments aims to regulate the import of recycled paper pulp, enhancing quality and safety standards to promote a green and healthy development of China's paper industry [3][4]. Regulatory Framework - The announcement specifies that imported recycled paper pulp must be made from classified recycled paper, cardboard, and paper products, adhering to the GB/T 43393 national standard [3][4]. - The customs code for imported recycled paper pulp is 4706200000, which is for customs declaration reference only [4]. Quality Control Measures - Customs will conduct sensory inspections and test key indicators as per technical specifications. If imported recycled paper pulp is suspected to be solid waste, it will be identified by a professional agency, and if confirmed, it will be returned [4]. - The announcement emphasizes the need for strict management across the entire supply chain, including raw materials, production, processing, storage, and transportation, to ensure ecological and biological safety [3][4]. Industry Standards - The "Key Indicator Requirements for Recycled Paper Pulp" outlines that recycled paper pulp should not contain rotten pulp or unpleasant odors, and must have consistent shape, color, and material [4]. - Specific limits are set for contaminants, including a maximum of 0.50% for foreign materials, and prohibitions against radioactive substances and hazardous waste [4][5]. Heavy Metal Regulations - The announcement includes regulations on heavy metal content, specifying limits for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) [5].

Core Viewpoint - The announcement by multiple government departments aims to regulate the import of recycled paper pulp, enhance quality and safety standards, and promote the green and healthy development of China's paper industry [1][2][3] Group 1: Regulatory Framework - The announcement specifies that imported recycled paper pulp must be made from classified recycled paper, cardboard, and paper products, adhering to the GB/T 43393 national standard [1] - The customs code for imported recycled paper pulp is 4706200000, which is for customs declaration reference only [1] - Customs will conduct sensory inspections and evaluate key indicators as per technical specifications [1][2] Group 2: Quality Control Measures - If customs suspects that imported recycled paper pulp is solid waste, it can commission professional agencies for attribute identification, and if confirmed as solid waste, it will be returned [2] - The announcement emphasizes the responsibility of production and business enterprises to ensure product quality and safety, and to manage the entire supply chain from raw materials to transportation [1][3] Group 3: Key Indicators for Recycled Paper Pulp - The key indicators for recycled paper pulp include no rotten pulp or unpleasant odors, consistency in shape, color, and material, and a contamination level of less than 0.50% [3] - The recycled paper pulp must not contain radioactive materials or hazardous waste, and there are specific regulations regarding heavy metal content and mechanical strength of hand-made sheets [3]

Core Points - The General Administration of Customs has issued Announcement No. 195 regarding the declaration requirements for imported recycled pulp, effective from October 10, 2025 [1] - The announcement mandates that importers must specify the production method of recycled pulp as either "dry" or "wet" in the customs declaration [1] - The customs authority has emphasized a strict prohibition on the importation of foreign waste, including "foreign garbage" [1] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new regulations aim to standardize the declaration management of imported recycled pulp and enhance import supervision [1] - A meeting was held with industry stakeholders, including the China Paper Association and relevant experts, to discuss the implications of the new regulations [1][2] - The announcement follows a series of incidents since 2021 where solid waste was imported under the guise of recycled pulp, leading to re-exportation [1] Group 2: Production Processes - Proper production of recycled pulp involves multiple steps, including purification, concentration, and high-temperature drying, resulting in a fiber content of over 91.5% [2] - In contrast, dry pulp production skips most of these processes, posing greater risks due to potential contamination [2][4] - The lack of rigorous inspection processes for dry pulp imports raises concerns about microbial and heavy metal contamination [4] Group 3: Industry Impact - In 2024, the production of boxboard and corrugated paper in China reached 61.8 million tons, with 4.14 million tons of imported recycled pulp, of which approximately 3.6 million tons were dry pulp [5] - The current domestic pulp production capacity has reached 25.95 million tons, indicating that increased regulation of imported recycled pulp will not significantly impact the domestic supply chain [5] - The domestic pulp production capacity is expected to continue increasing, further reducing reliance on imported materials [5]