China has uncovered a suspected illegal shipment of poisonous waste plastics exported from Japan. Chinese officials have accused the Japanese exporters of violating Chinese customs controls and posing a serious threat to the environment in China. The Chinese government has declared a temporary block on all imports of waste plastics from Japan.

This is the first time China has banned waste plastic imports from any country. As the world's second largest producer and consumer of plastics after the United States, Japan faces problems dealing with the waste, given the small size of its landmass and its relatively large population. This means it has to export recyclable wastes to other countries.

Chinese customs officials investigating the shipment from Japan found a small amount of recyclable waste plastics had been used to cover the bulk of toxic plastic materials. This waste poses a serious threat to the environment in China.

Fu Jin, an official of Admin. for Quality Supervision, Inspection & Quarantine, said, "The crime violates international laws. The Japanese exporters deceived customs' supervisors and shipped illegal wastes to China. We've decided to stop all imports of plastic wastes from Japan for the time being, effective immediately. "

China's Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has required all points of entry to carry out stricter inspections of imported goods. The administration has also ordered that all illegal goods be stopped before entering the country.

(CCTV.com May 12, 2004)