China passed a law in April, which takes effect in September, making carriers and importers liable for the return and disposal of solid waste that does not meet import requirements.

China is considering a blanket ban on imports of industrial waste for environmental purposes by the end of 2020.

After MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company said earlier this month it had instructed its shipping agents worldwide to reject such reservations, Hapag-Lloyd is the latest shipping line to confirm that it will stop accepting China-bound solid waste shipments.

"This legislation is applicable to all solid waste cargo such as waste paper, waste plastics, waste metals, waste chemicals etc," said a June 12 Hapag-Lloyd notice to customers.

Solid waste purchased under authorised quotas can still reach China by the end of the year but shipping lines' prompt action increases the risk of supply disruption in the latter months of 2020.

Maritime Business World