Practices on regulated plastics in China

This presentation outlines the context and regulatory practices concerning plastics in China, with reference to discussions under the Basel Convention and the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. It explains distinctions between polymers, plastics, additives and processing aids, and summarises major polymer types and their diverse applications across manufacturing stages. The document emphasises that polymers such as polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride have multiple end uses, complicating regulation. It describes China’s focus on consumer-sector plastic products that are easy to leak, difficult to collect and substitutable, details prohibitions and control measures on specific single-use items, and highlights waste collection and clean-up actions, while stressing the need for clear definitions and context-specific approaches.