Import of compressor scrap banned

LAHORE: In a significant legislative move to protect the environment, Pakistan has imposed a complete ban on the import of compressor scrap contaminated with hazardous materials.

This decision is part of newly-enforced, stringent regulations that align with international standards, particularly those outlined under the Basel Convention.The new regulations specifically target compressor scrap, which is often imported into Pakistan without being dismantled and is contaminated with substances such as oil, gas, and other hazardous liquids. These materials are classified as dangerous under Schedule I of the Basel Convention.

As part of this critical development, Pakistan’s customs tariff has been updated under the newly-introduced HS code 8549, in line with the World Customs Organisation’s Harmonised System 2022. These regulations were initially introduced through the Finance Bill 2023. In April 2024, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) issued SRO 628, which officially banned the import of such hazardous materials.

Senior customs officials have emphasised that these laws are not only vital for environmental protection but also crucial for the proper classification and control of hazardous materials. They stated, “These regulations are designed to prevent unscrupulous importers from exploiting legal loopholes to bring in dangerous compressor scrap, which poses severe environmental risks.”

Despite the robust legal framework, sources indicate that there is still a lack of effective enforcement, and the illegal import of contaminated compressor scrap continues. Industry sources have stressed the need for rigorous implementation of these laws to prevent Pakistan from becoming a dumping ground for hazardous waste.

They further highlighted that the real challenge lies in translating these legislative measures into practical actions to safeguard the country’s borders and environment from dangerous imports. These illegal imports not only pose significant environmental threats but also disrupt market dynamics and cause substantial economic losses for the country.

Experts have urged Pakistan to further tighten its import policy in accordance with international standards and ensure the strict enforcement of these laws. Strengthening the legal framework and its implementation is crucial to protecting the country’s natural resources and public health from the harmful effects of hazardous materials.