Following the Federal Government Gazette on 7 January 2022 regarding the Guidelines for Importation and Inspection of Waste Paper, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) has announced the implementation of 2- a year moratorium, for Manufacturing License (ML) issuance for new, expansion, diversification, and regularization, as well as ‘Confirmation letter for company, exempted from ML’ (ICA10) under ICA 1975, for paper manufacturing activities.
MITI said the Government is cognisant that the paper industry is facing a substantial overcapacity situation for all types of paper products and the country has seen an increasing amount of waste paper imports since 2018. The moratorium, it added will allow the Government to manage and monitor the importation of waste paper by existing ML holders under the Guidelines for Importation and Inspection of Waste Paper and ensure sustainable development for the domestic industry.
The Ministry assures the industry that the Government is committed to working with all segments of the domestic paper industry to ensure it remains relevant and sustainable in the long run.
