Translator：Zhang Xiaotong

In 2020, the General Administration of Customs, in conjunction with four ministries, issued the 'Announcement on Matters Concerning the Comprehensive Prohibition of the Import of Solid Waste.' Starting from January 1, 2021, China initiated a comprehensive ban on the import of foreign waste, ushering in an era of zero imports of solid waste. However, even after the implementation of this announcement, administrative penalties and criminal cases related to the import of solid waste continue to occur. Some of the reasons for this include companies' unfamiliarity with the attributes of imported goods and their inability to fully control the quality of the goods. How companies can respond effectively when customs questions the imported goods as solid waste, aiming to avoid administrative penalties or criminal liability, is a matter that companies should take seriously.

On the afternoon of October 13, senior partner Gan Jiong of Shanghai Landing Law Offices, was invited to participate in a customs-themed sharing session and delivered a special lecture on 'Legal Risks and Defense Strategies for the Import of Solid Waste.' Gan shared insights into the customs handling of solid waste cases, interpretation of the solid waste identification process, legal responsibilities, and practical responses to the import of solid waste. Drawing on over a dozen cases, he analyzed the patterns and penalties of import cases related to solid waste. Gan particularly highlighted five practical cases handled by his team, including two cases where the initial inspection conclusions were overturned through re-examination, determining that the imported goods were not solid waste.

The lecture, attended by over 40 representatives from various companies, including multinational corporations such as BASF and Huawei in the chemical, energy, and electronics industries, lasted for a fruitful three hours. The concluding discussion between corporate representatives and Lawyer Gan focused on practical issues related to solid waste cases they had encountered. The session was characterized by its wealth of practical information and engagement.