Guide to Customs Clearance of Recycled Metals in the Era of Carbon Peak: Survival Strategies for Enterprises Under the New Policies

Introduction: In today's world, where the global goal of carbon neutrality is accelerating, secondary non-ferrous metals are embracing a historic development opportunity. The latest statistics show that for every 1 percentage point increase in China's recycling rate of secondary metals, 23 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced. This article will provide an in-depth interpretation of the new 2024 policies on the supervision of secondary metal imports, unveiling the "green customs clearance" secrets within the multinational industry chain.

[New Product Access: The Green Revolution of Strategic Resources]

Driven by the dual carbon strategy, secondary metals have become the "urban mines" supporting the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry. The newly revised "Technical Specifications for Secondary Metal Raw Materials" not only redefines the raw material classification system but also establishes a digital supervision framework. For importers, it is crucial to grasp the following key elements:

Core AdvantagesThe energy consumption of secondary aluminum production is only 5% of that of primary aluminum, and the carbon footprint of secondary copper is 65% less than that of ore-based copper. According to customs data from Q3 2024, the customs clearance time for compliant secondary copper and aluminum imports has been compressed to 3.5 working days, achieving a 400% efficiency improvement compared to ordinary metal scrap.

[Key Points of the New Policy: Understanding the Customs' New "Metal Dictionary"]

I. Triple Breakthroughs in Catalog Reconstruction

1. Digital Classification Standards

Copper-based raw materials

: Forming a three-tier gradient of "pure metal wire - mixed granules - refined copper wire nodules"

Aluminum alloy family

: Subdivided into three series: casting, wrought processing, and engineering pure aluminum

Comparison Table of Old and New Catalogs

2. Qualitative Changes in Technical IndicatorsAdopting the Melt Flow Index (MFI) to replace traditional visual inspection methods and introducing XRF rapid detection technology:

Example: Secondary wrought aluminum alloy must meet the following requirements:
σb ≥ 180MPa
δ5 ≥ 8%
Brinell hardness HBW ≥ 45

3. Revolution in Customs Inspection and TestingDeveloping a "three-dimensional spectral matrix" detection system to achieve:

• 0.5-second early warning for heavy metal pollution
• 99.3% accuracy in AI recognition of non-metallic residues
• Online monitoring of radioactive isotopes

[Customs Clearance Tips: Five Essential Strategies for Enterprises]

Step-1: Traceability of Cargo Quality

Establish a supplier ESG rating system, focusing on verifying:

• ISO 14064 certification of pre-processing plants
• Disassembly process monitored by electronic fencing
• Temperature and humidity sensor data chain during transportation

Step-2: Smart Declaration System

HS code selection matrix

Step-3: Preventive Testing

Recommended mandatory testing items for third-party laboratories:

1. Melt Loss Rate (MLR)
2. Three-dimensional distribution scanning of inclusions
3. Pyrolysis gas chromatography of coating substances

Step-4: Smart Document Management

The blockchain document system must include:

• Laser traceability QR codes
• Multi-spectral analysis reports
• Carbon emission factor calculation sheets

Step-5: Emergency Response Plan

Reserve a special fund for return shipments. Registered AEO-certified enterprises can enjoy:

• 50% reduction in deposits
• Extension of customs payment deadlines to 90 days

[Sobering Cases: Warnings of Multi-Million-Dollar Cargo Losses]

Scenario 01: The Fatal Moisture Trap

In August 2024, a Shenzhen enterprise imported 20 containers of secondary aluminum ingots, neglecting transportation environment monitoring:

On-site inspection

: Surface moisture content 0.8% → Deep-layer moisture content 11.3%

Economic Loss

: Port demurrage fees of 480,000 yuan + return shipment costs of 2.2 million yuan

Scenario 02: The Butterfly Effect of Concealed Contaminants

A hardware factory in Dongguan imported secondary copper granules contaminated with fragments of old circuit boards:

Concealed Contaminants

: Containing 0.3% lead solder

Chain Reaction

: Full-line production contamination, breach of a 300 million yuan order

Scenario 03: The Abyss of Certification Fraud

A Zhejiang trader trusted a forged EN 13920 certificate:

Fraud Exposed

: The EU registration number did not exist

Qualification Loss

: Customs credit rating downgraded to D class

[Future Smart Manufacturing: The Digital Breakthrough of Secondary Metals]

Framework of Smart Import Monitoring System

Industry Trend Forecast

[Strategic Conclusion]

Standing at the forefront of global green trade, the import of secondary metals has entered the era of smart supervision. Enterprises urgently need to establish a three-in-one risk control system of "digital certification + process monitoring + smart logistics." Remember: Compliance is not a cost but the core competitiveness of the new era. When you successfully navigate through the policy fog, what you gain is not only customs clearance convenience but also the future code for sustainable development.

Extended ThinkingHow can the RCEP agreement be utilized to obtain tariff preferences for secondary metals? How can Industry 4.0 technologies be deeply integrated with metal recycling?