KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 1): The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) announced today that the interim measures on guidelines for the importation of three types of metal scraps will be extended by two months until Oct 31 this year.

In a statement, MITI said the extension will be accompanied by the introduction of the Materials Recovery Facilities’ Approval Scheme by SIRIM and foreign inspection bodies.

The scheme, as prescribed in the revised guidelines, will allow companies to avail themselves of the opportunity to have a simplified inspection and clearance process in preparation for the certificate of approval (COA) application once it is implemented.

To recap, in June, MITI announced the interim measures for implementation of the guidelines for HS codes 7204 (ferrous scrap), 7404 (copper scrap) and 7602 (aluminium scrap), which were to be enforced from July 16 to Aug 31 before it was extended to end-October.

MITI praised the industry’s quick adherence to the revised criteria during the interim period as it works towards full implementation of the guidelines.

“This action by the industry is a testament to the commitment we envisage towards achieving the overarching objective of the guidelines in facilitating genuine importation of both ferrous and non-ferrous scraps, while protecting the environment from any hazardous contaminants, in line with international commitments prescribed through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Goal 12: Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns,” it said.

It also said MITI believes the extended interim period will allow the industry to make full preparation for the COA implementation.

“MITI remains open to further engagement with the industry to provide clarity and certainty in the process to be undertaken,” it said.

The interim guidelines are outlined below:

HS Code 7204: Ferrous waste and scrap; remelting scrap ingots of iron & steel

HS Code 7404: Copper waste and scrap 

HS Code 7602: Aluminium waste and scrap