Import license crisis in scrap import with Ministry of Environment

Import license crisis in scrap import with Ministry of Environment

According to the recent statement released in the official gazette of the Turkish Republic regarding standardization implementations in foreign trade brought further obligations to scrap import procedures. With the new adjustments under the Annex II B, concerning fuel and waste which are under control for the purpose to environmental protection, imported scraps must be analysed by an internationally recognized inspection company in the country of origin or exporter country and be given a radiation analysis certificate. Besides, importers have to get their import license from the Ministry of Environment for the imports of these materials. Both conditions were in effect by September 16, 2003. The new statement requires the imported scraps to contain at least or more 85% metal, to be solid and not to be contaminated. Import license for the import of these materials are requested from related customs administrations. These certificates are arranged by the Ministry of Environment upon presentation of documents provided from the country of origin or the importer. This implementation which became valid following the release on September 16, 2003, caused scrap cargoes, that are shipped from the aforecited date onwards, not to complete the necessary customs procedures at the ports of arrival in Turkey. This issue was followed by the declaration of the Ministry saying that they do not have the required infrastructure to give these import licenses for scrap imports. Hence, worries arise as the current situation may cause problems in steel production of the companies which need to import this material for production, in the near future.