Importing and exporting plastic waste
Find out whether you need a permit to import or export plastic waste, what the requirements are, and how to apply for a permit.
Find out whether you need a permit to import or export plastic waste, what the requirements are, and how to apply for a permit.
An amendment to the Basel Convention means that from 1 January 2021 you will need a permit to import or export some types of plastic waste.
Without the right permit, your shipment could be seized at a New Zealand port, refused entry to countries along the shipping route or at the destination country. Shipments that are refused entry may be returned to you at your cost.
The onus is on you to comply with both New Zealand law and the laws of the importing country. This also applies if you are using a third party to export plastic waste.
Read a description of the exporting plastic waste flowchart diagram
Download and print out the diagram (PDF, 47 KB)
These types of plastic waste need a permit:
Hazardous plastic waste already requires a permit. This is plastic:
Mixed plastic waste is made up of different types of plastic, and some plastic is worth more than others. It is usually exported in a mixed bale. The amendment means that a permit is needed before the export or import of most mixed plastics.
The exception, which needs no permit, is mixed plastic waste that is:
Contamination happens when unspecified or unrecyclable materials are present in bales of plastic. For example where there is:
This is plastic waste that is sorted into single types of plastic. For example, a bale of separated, clear PET plastic.
Separated plastic waste does not need a permit as long as it:
If the plastic waste is not listed in the regulations, then a permit is required.
Find out about shipping hazardous waste
Import and export permits are issued under the Imports and Exports Restrictions (Prohibition) Order (No 2) 2004.
Apply for a permit to export plastic waste
Read our guide: Exporting hazardous waste from New Zealand (PDF, 201 KB)
Apply for a permit to import plastic waste
Read our guide: Importing hazardous waste into New Zealand (PDF, 201 KB)