No more exports of HDPE and LDPE to Turkey as from 2 July 2021

Yesterday, it was announced in trade media and by some of BIR’s member associations that the Turkish government intends a ban on the import of plastic waste falling under commodity code 3915.10.00.00. This material, "waste, parings and scrap of ethylene", generally consists of LDPE and HDPE wastes.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade announced in the Official Gazette on Tuesday that polyethylene wastes would be reclassified. According to the notice, the PE-based plastic waste will be moved to Annex 2/B of the country's waste import control regulations; imports of wastes in that annex are forbidden. The amendment will enter into force after a transition period of 45 days, meaning that exports of HDPE and LDPE waste can only be accepted in Turkey until 2 July.

Please see attached the relevant article in Turkish Government Gazette.