Thailand Tightened Scrap Import Restrictions Disrupt Global Metal Recycling Trade; Proposed Import Ban Under Review

· Increased Customs Scrutiny: Thailand has intensified physical inspections of imported metal scrap to prevent illegal imports of end-of-life electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), causing delays, additional costs and shipment rejections.

· Misclassification Concerns: Legitimate non-ferrous scrap materials, including Zorba, electric motors and insulated copper cables, are increasingly being misclassified as e-waste.

· Shipping Restrictions: Hapag-Lloyd has suspended new bookings to Thailand for:

o Ferrous scrap – HS 7204

o Copper scrap – HS 7404

o Aluminium scrap – HS 7602

o Rubber scrap – HS 4004

· Additional Costs: At least one port will introduce a terminal security deposit from 16 November 2026 for certain mixed metal, aluminium, steel and rubber scrap shipments.

· Proposed Import Ban: On 21 October 2026, Thai Customs proposed a complete ban on imports of most recycled metals and rubber, including ferrous, copper, aluminium and rubber scrap.

· Transition Period: A 6–12 month transition period has been proposed. However, stricter import controls are considered more likely than a complete ban.

· Industry Representation: The US Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) is lobbying the US Department of Commerce, USTR and EPA to address the adverse impact on exporters.

Key Message: Thailand's tightening of scrap import controls is disrupting international recycling trade, creating uncertainty for exporters and increasing shipping costs. Global scrap traders should monitor regulatory developments and reassess shipment planning to Thailand.

[ABS News Service/11.11.2026]

Thailand’s increased inspections of metal scrap imports are causing major disruption for international recyclers, scrap traders and exporters, with shipments facing customs delays, additional costs and, in some cases, rejection, according to the US Recycled Materials Association (ReMA).

Thailand wants to prevent illegal imports of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment. However, legitimate non-ferrous materials, including Zorba, electric motors and insulated copper cable, are increasingly being misclassified as e-waste, resulting in additional scrutiny by Thai customs authorities.

Disruption all over

In an online market alert to members, ReMA says: ‘Increased physical inspections delay customs clearance and create uncertainty for exporters. Shipping lines and port operators are also introducing restrictions and additional financial requirements, further complicating trade.’

The association has learned that Hapag-Lloyd has suspended new bookings until further notice for ferrous scrap (HS 7204), copper scrap (HS 7404), aluminium scrap (HS 7602) and rubber scrap (HS 4004) destined for Thailand.

In addition, at least one port is to introduce a terminal security deposit from 16 November for certain shipments including mixed metal, aluminium scrap, steel scrap and rubber scrap. Some exporters are redirecting shipments while awaiting greater regulatory clarity.

Proposed import ban under review

Uncertainty increased on 21 October when Thai customs authorities proposed a full ban on imports of most recycled metals and rubber as part of its efforts to prevent illegal e-waste shipments. The proposal covers ferrous, copper and aluminium scrap, as well as rubber scrap.

Although a six-to-12-month transition period has been proposed, Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is more likely to pursue stricter import controls than a complete ban, observes ReMA.

ReMA lobby

ReMA says it is actively lobbying US authorities over the impact on exporters. The association has raised the issue in the US with the Department of Commerce, the Office of the US Trade Representative and the Environmental Protection Agency.