New international requirements (under the Basel Convention) for the trade in plastic waste come into effect on 1 January 2021. The Government is proposing amendments to the Imports and Exports Order to meet this international requirement.
Under these amendments, imports and exports of most mixed plastic waste will require a permit. Imports and exports of separated plastic waste suitable for recycling, and mixtures of PET, PE and PP, will not require a permit.
The Ministry is seeking feedback on two proposed approaches to amend the Imports and Exports Order. Both proposals would amend the Imports and Exports Order to include mixed plastic waste in the permitting system.
- Option 1 (preferred option) – Permits for mixed plastic waste, without specifications for imports and exports of separated plastic waste
- Option 2 – Permits for mixed plastic waste, with specifications for imports and exports of separated plastic waste (such as a specific maximum rate for contamination).
The Ministry would like to invite you to a virtual meeting to discuss the proposals on Thursday 7 May at 2pm. At the meeting there will be an opportunity to discuss the proposals, ask questions and provide feedback. The meeting will be recorded for those who are unable to attend in person.
To attend the meeting or to be sent a copy of the recording please register using this link
There are two documents which outline the two proposed approaches:
1) View the Summary document here
2) View the Proposal document here
Feedback on the proposals can be made in person at the virtual meeting or can be emailed to basel@mfe.govt.nz by 5pm on 22 May 2020. For any further questions about the engagement process please email basel@mfe.govt.nz