China has established new regulations that will apply to importers of recycled paper stock. Authorities decided to introduce these regulations to prevent the import of waste disguised as a product desired by Chinese businesses. Importers will now be required to indicate whether the recycling was performed using a dry or wet method. Regardless of the grade of waste paper recycled, including 11 OCC cardboard, importers of recycled paper will be required to disclose this fact. Chinese authorities believe that the most valuable product is one that has been recycled using a wet method.
Wet recycling of recycled paper stock removes most impurities from the finished product. Sterilization is performed during the production process, creating a product that meets hygienic standards. Dry recycling does not achieve the same effect. Recycled paper stocks produced using this method contain many impurities and harmful substances. According to Chinese authorities, anything other than high-quality recycled paper must not be allowed to enter the country.
