by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic by BERNAMA

THE Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) announced that the interim measure on the implementation of revised guidelines for the importation and inspection of metal scrap will continue to be enforced until Oct 31, 2021.

In a statement, MITI said the measure regarding the implementation of the Guidelines for the Importation and Inspection of Metal Scrap for HS code 7204 (ferrous scrap), 7404 (copper scrap) and 7602 (aluminium scrap) were to be enforced from July 16 to Aug 31 before it was extended to end-October.

It stated that the introduction of Materials Recovery Facilities’ Approval Scheme by SIRIM and Foreign Inspection Bodies was an additional improvement during this extended period.

“This scheme, as prescribed in the revised guideline, will allow companies to avail themselves of the opportunity to have a simplified inspection and clearance process in preparation for the Certified of Approval (CoA) application once it is implemented,” MITI said.

The ministry also commended the swift response by the industry in adhering to the revised criteria during the interim period towards preparing for the full implementation of the guideline.

It stated that the action taken by the industry is a testament to the commitment that they envisage towards achieving the overarching objective of the guidelines in facilitating genuine importation, for both ferrous and non-ferrous scraps, while protecting the environment from any hazardous contaminants.

“We believe the extended interim period will allow the industry to make full preparation for the CoA implementation and remains open to further engagement with the industry to provide clarity and certainty in the process to be undertaken,” it stated.