New Chinese Import Restrictions on Recycled Dry-Milled Pulp May Impact Recyclers

On Thursday, October 9, the Chinese government announced new requirements for recycled dry-milled pulp imports, which could significantly impact trade for ReMA members.

Importers will now need to specify whether the material was milled using dry or wet processing methods, and Chinese authorities will be authorized to conduct on-site shipment inspections.

This measure is intended to limit imports of dry-milled pulp, which China considers having higher contamination levels than wet-milled pulp. Officials have also cited health concerns, including the potential presence of bacteria in dry-processed bales. By contrast, wet-pulped bales are viewed as safer, because the high-temperature drying process provides greater sterilization.

In the meantime, U.S. exporters are awaiting further guidance on how China plans to implement inspections and enforce compliance under the new rules.

This policy follows earlier Chinese import restrictions, including theGreen Fence policy in 2013 and National Sword in 2017, which banned or heavily restricted certain imported materials newly classified as "waste," effectively halting China's imports of OCC and mixed paper.

The new rule also took effect immediately after China's Golden Week holiday, when factories, ports, and customs offices traditionally operate at reduced capacity. The timing has contributed to congestion and administrative backlogs that could further delay shipments and increase inspection burdens for exporters.

"ReMA will continue to monitor the implementation of China's new import restrictions on dry-milled pulp," said Erin McCoy, ReMA's International Trade Policy Analyst.