Malaysia tightens regulations, impose levy on imports of plastics waste

On 23 July 2018, the Malaysian government froze the approved permits of 114 plastic waste companies and factories all over the country for three months in order for the authorities to assess the issues. It is decided that the government would shut down 24 unlicensed factories in the Kuala Langat area by this 23 October, however, would discuss ways to dispose of the on-hand plastics waste stock first.

In the meantime, the government would also tighten the rule and regulations in obtaining the approve permits and import licenses for plastics waste.

Besides, plastics waste processors in Malaysia can no longer enjoy free duty; instead, a levy of MYR 15/ton ($4/ton) would be imposed on the imported cargoes after 23 October. 

This is in an effort to prevent Malaysia from becoming a dumping ground for foreign waste after China bans the import of plastic scrap earlier this year.