The Recycling and Waste Reduction (Export—Waste Plastic) Rules 2021 establish a regulatory framework under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 for the export of waste plastic from Australia. These rules define waste plastic as material discarded or surplus from various activities, including processed engineered fuel, and designate it as regulated waste material subject to export controls. Export of regulated waste plastic is prohibited unless specific conditions are met. These include holding a valid export licence, submitting export declarations, or meeting criteria listed in the Waste Plastic Exports List. Export licences require applicants to nominate specifications for the plastic and demonstrate compliance with processing standards. The Minister assesses licence applications based on factors such as intended use, specification appropriateness, contamination thresholds, and the applicant’s compliance history. Separate provisions apply to processed engineered fuel, with additional requirements concerning packaging, combustion safety, and environmental risk mitigation. Licence holders must maintain commercial relationships with suppliers and importers and notify the Minister of changes in these relationships. Licences may be suspended or revoked for non-compliance, and exemptions may be granted for trade samples intended for market testing, subject to similar scrutiny. Record-keeping obligations require licence holders to retain detailed documentation, including photographs and export declarations, for at least five years. Records must remain unaltered except for standard notations, and any changes must be documented. The rules also outline circumstances under which Commonwealth liabilities are considered paid, including through accepted payment undertakings.
Australia · 2021-10-21