Analysis of the

Chinese PVC Industry

Researched and written by Daisy Du and Noam David Stern

Shanghai, March 2021 1
List of Contents

1. Introduction 2
2. Main Supply and Usage of PVC Resin and PVC Products in China 3
3. Use of Lead Stabilizers and the Regulatory Environment in China 8
4. Use of Problematic Phthalates Plasticizers (DEHP) and the Regulatory 10
Environment in China
5. Waste management and Recycling 12
6. Barriers for Substitution of Lead Stabilizers and Toxic Phthalates Plasticizers 16
7. Summary and Conclusions 19
8. Way Forward/Next Step 20
 Appendix 1: Relevant Stakeholders 22
 Appendix 2: Regulations and Standards Restricting the Use of Lead 27
Stabilizers
 Appendix 3: China National Standards and Industry Standards Restricting 32
the Use of Toxic Phthalates Plasticizers

1. Introduction

PVC plastics that contain chemical additives such as Lead stabilizers and DEHP plasticizers
have a proven harmful effect on human health and the environment. In the EU, the use of
these toxic additives in PVC products has been restricted or banned and replaced by safer
alternatives.

Since these regulatory changes have mostly been confined to the EU and not implemented
on a wider international scale, increasing the sustainability awareness and promoting the
voluntary substitution of these additives in countries like China has become a top priority.

With the adoption of China’s 13th Five-year Plan (2016-2020), high-end, intelligent and green
production became a key policy priority to promote the overall improvement of the
manufacturing industry. In the upcoming 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the Chinese
government is once again stressing the importance of protecting the environment.

Because China is one of the world’s largest producers and users of PVC-resin and PVC-
products, the PVC Information Council in Denmark under the European PVC Industry
Representation in Denmark and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency have jointly
requested that a brief Analysis of the Chinese PVC Industry is carried out.

The purpose is to better understand the PVC industry, market forces, regulatory environment,
and possible barriers for replacing toxic additives with less harmful substitutes. The intention
is to find a way to initiate a dialogue between the European PVC industry (VinylPlus, the
Voluntary Commitment of the European PVC Industry) and the Danish Environmental
Protection Agency with related key stakeholders in China.

2
2. Main Supply and Usage of PVC Resin and PVC Products in China.

China is today the world’s largest PVC resin producer and consumer.1 By the end of 2019
there were 73 PVC resin producers in China in which three had an annual production capacity
of one million tons or more.2

China uses both the calcium carbide method and ethylene/vinyl method for production of
PVC resin in which the former accounts for about 80% of the total production capacity. The
calcium carbide method relies on electricity and coal while the ethylene method relies on oil.

Since China has rich coal resources in the north and north-west of the country but limited oil
resources, the calcium carbide method accounts for the main portion of the PVC resin
production.

Since 2016, the Chinese authorities have tried to tighten the rules governing the PVC industry
through consolidation with the aim to upgrade the PVC industry.

Table 1: Annual Production Capacity of PVC Resin in China in 2019 (Unit: 1,000 tons).
Areas Calcium Carbide Ethylene/Vinyl Sum %
Northwest (i.e., Xinjiang, 12,290 300 12,590 50%
Qinghai)
North (i.e., Inner Magnolia) 3,770 2,450 6,220 24.7%
East 830 1,810 2,640 10.5%
Central 1,600 1,600 6.4%
Southwest 1,420 1,420 5.6%
Northeast 490 490 1.9%
South 220 220 0.9%
Total 20,400 4,780 25,180 100%

The Chinese PVC resin producers are located in 21 provinces with the largest concentration
in the northwest and north of China.3 The two largest PVC resin producers are in Xinjiang
Province with an annual production capacity of 2.2 million tons and 1.2 million tons,
respectively.4

1 Business wire, Extract from “Research Report on China's PVC Industry, 2018-2022”, www.businesswire.com/news, (accessed December
14, 2020).
2 Zhang Peichao, “Current situation and trend of the development of PVC industry in China in 2019,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook

2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 141.
3 Zhang Peichao, “Current situation and trend of the development of PVC industry in China in 2019,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook

2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 140.
4 Business wire, Extract from “Research Report on China's PVC Industry, 2018-2022”, www.businesswire.com/news, (accessed December

14, 2020).
3
From 2015-2019, the annual production capacity of PVC resin in China increased from 23.48
million tons to 25.18 million tons (including 1.19 million PVC paste resin) 5 . In 2019, the
production output exceeded 20 million tons.6

In 2019, China imported 0.87 million tons of PVC resin and exported 0.71 million tons of PVC
resin.7

In 2016, China was the largest importer of PVC resin with an import value of USD 683 million
followed by Turkey at USD 618.8 million and Italy at USD 598.36 million. In 2016, the US was
the largest exporter of PVC resin with an export value of USD 2.12 billion followed by
Germany at USD 820 million and China at USD 790 million.8

Based on the annual production output and import-export numbers of PVC resin, nearly all
of the production (supply) in China is for domestic consumption (demand).

In the past five years, the Parent Consumption 9 of PVC in China steadily increased and
reached 20.27 million tons in 2019 with an annual increase of 7.3% compared with 2018.10

Table 2: Annual Production Capacity and Parent Consumption of PVC Resin in China from
2015-2019 (Unit: 1,000 tons)11
Parent
Annual Capacity Production Import Export Consumption
2015 23,480 16,190 929 877 16,242
2016 23,260 16,899 867 1,173 16,593
2017 24,060 17,745 1,002 1,103 17,645
2018 24,040 18,739 938 774 18,902
2019 25,180 20,107 874 714 20,267
Note: Parent Consumption = Production + Import – Export

Usage of PVC Products

PVC is mainly used for producing pipes and fittings, profiles, sheets and plates, wallpapers,
floorings, film, cables and wires, medical devices, and shoes. These can mainly be categorized
in two PVC groups: Rigid and Flexible. Out of the total, 62% of PVC is used for rigid PVC
products such as pipes and fittings, profiles, doors and windows, plates and panels.

5 Zhang Peichao, “Current situation and trend of the development of PVC industry in China in 2019,” China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 139.
6 Zhao Guowei, “The operation and development trend of the synthetic resin industry in 2019,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020,

ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 126, 127,
7 Source: National Bureau of Statistics
8
PVC Production, Trading Price and Market Demand (2016), www.plasticsinsight.com/resin-intelligence/resin-prices/pvc/ (accessed
December 14, 2020).
9 Parent Consumption = Production + Import – Export
10 Zhao Guowei, “The operation and development trend of the synthetic resin industry in 2019,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020,

ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 139.
11 Ibid., 126, 127, 130, 133.

4
Table 3: Use of PVC Resin in Products in China 2019 (%)
Application Areas % of Total PVC Supply
Pipes and fittings 32.5%
Total used for
Profiles, doors and windows 21.0%
Rigid Products:
Plates, panel and other profiles 5.5%
62%
Other rigid products 3.0%
Films 11%
Flooring, wallpaper and foaming materials 8.5%
Total Used for
Other flexible products 6.0%
Flexible Products:
Electronic cables 5.5%
38%
Artificial fabric 4%
Shoes and soles 3.0%
Total 100%

The construction sector is one of the most important downstream industries for the PVC
industry. In light of the increasing urbanization rate that has grown from 49.23% in 2009 to
60.31% in 201912 and the continuing growth of the construction and real estate industries
in China, the PVC industry keeps on expanding and upgrading.

Exports of Selected PVC Products

At present, the demand for PVC products in China is mainly generated by the domestic
market, and the total export volumes and amounts are relatively low.13 Please check the
below Table 4 with Chinese export volumes and amounts of some selected PVC products.

12 Plecher, H. “Urbanization in China 2019.” Statista. November 17, 2020. www.statista.com/statistics/455793/urbanization-in-china/

(accessed December 14, 2020).
13 Wang Jing, “Plastic Additives,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing:

China Light Industry Press, 2020), 150.

5
Table 4: Exports of Selected PVC Products for 2018, 2019 and January to October 202014:
2020 (Jan-Oct) 2019 2018
Commodity
Export Quantity Export Amount Export Quantity Export Amount Export Quantity Export Amount
code (based Commodity
(Unit: 1,000 tons) (Unit: US$ mill.) (Unit: 1,000 tons) (Unit: US$ mill.) (Unit: 1,000 (Unit: US$ mill.)
on HS Code)
tons)
39181090 Floor coverings of PVC 3,932 4,429.74 4,033.2 4,841.60 3,541.2 4,597.91
39262011 Gloves of PVC 475.1 2,665.98 403.5 986.38 449.5 1,367.59
39172300(00) Tubes, pipes and hoses, rigid, of polymers of PVC 62.2 116.01 92.7 158.93 83.4 143.11
39162010(00) Profile shapes of PVC 88 112.91 128.8 167.45 122.4 162.55
39162090(00) Monofilament & rods & sticks, of polymers of PVC 36.1 59.35 59.3 81.17 56.6 83.56
39181010(00) Wall/ceiling coverings of PVC 37.0 112.32 47.0 152.93 35.3 109.67
39204300(90) Plates/sheets/film/foil/strip, of PVC by weight with 228.7 414.52 242.7 453.01 236.2 429.54
no less than 6% of plasticizers
Plates/sheets/film/foil/strip of PVC combined with
39211210(00) 40.5 134.64 59.9 172.22 44.6 143.64
textile fabrics, cellular
39211290 Other plates/sheets/film/ foil/strip of PVC, cellular 192.5 337.96 230.7 365.79 224.0 349.67
590310 Other insulating cloth or tape impregnated with PVC N/A 2,020.05 N/A 1,222.84 N/A N/A
59031010 Textile insulating cloth or tape treated with PVC 21.3 33.79 39.8 62.57 39.3 65.59
59031020 Textile imitation leather treated with PVC 152.1 364.85 242.7 559.60 266.4 596.16

59031090 Other textile fabrics treated with PVC 476.2 824.21 821.0 1,397.88 879.0 1,531.46

Note: The Harmonized System (HS) Code is a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. It is used by customs authorities around the world
to identify products when assessing duties and taxes and for gathering statistics.

14 Source: Customs statistics http://43.248.49.97/indexEn

6
In recent years, the export of PVC flooring from China has developed rapidly, increasing from
1.39 million tons in 2014 to 4.03 million tons in 2019 with an average annual growth above
20%.15

Europe and North America are the main markets for PVC flooring which have developed over
a long period with high market awareness and acceptance. The top three destinations of
China’s total exports of PVC flooring were the USA, Canada and Germany with respective
shares of 61%, 5.5%, 4.4% in 2018 and 57.17%, 6% and 4.47% in 2019.16

Table 5: Distribution of Floor Coverings of PVC Exported in 2018 and 2019 (Unit: 1,000 tons)
USA Canada Germany Others Total Quantity
2018 2,157.0 195.8 156.7 1,031.7 3,541.2
% 61% 5.5% 4.4% 29.1% 100%
2019 2,305.9 156.7 180.4 1,390.2 4,033.2
% 57% 6% 4.47% 32.5% 100%

Gloves of PVC is another popular category of goods for export. China exported 449,500 tons
in 2018 and 403,500 tons in 2019. Over 50% of the total was exported to the US and over 10%
was exported to the EU.17

See Appendix 1: Relevant Stakeholders for some top exporters of PVC products.

It is important to mention that determining the actual export numbers of PVC products from
China that use harmful additives is complicated as traded goods follow the HS Codes that
generally classify goods according to product type and material but not the raw materials or
ingredients used18.

As more countries and regions actively respond to and engage in the ongoing Chinese “One
Belt, One Road” 19 initiative, Chinese exports of PVC products are expected to increase
significantly in the future.20

Government Authorities of PVC Industry

At present, the China plastic products industry is macro-managed by the Chinese government
and partly self-regulated by industry associations in a market-based manner.

15 Zhang Peichao, “Current situation and trend of the development of PVC industry in China in 2019,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 141.
16 Source: customs statistics.
17 Ibid.
18 The rapidly increasing international e-commerce is a growing concern in Europe. Authorities, business organizations and NGO’s are

concerned about the potential presence of problematic chemistry in products purchased from sales channels originating outside of
Europe. However, it was not possible to collect this documentation of the China e-trade for this analysis.
19 The “One Belt, One Road” initiative is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to

invest in nearly 70 countries with the aim to enhance regional connectivity and trade by land and sea.
20 Wang Jing, “Plastic Additives,” China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China

Light Industry Press, 2020), 150.

7
The National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, State Administration of
Quality Supervision and other relevant government departments provide guiding industrial
policies and general supervision of the Chinese PVC industry.

See Appendix 1: Relevant Stakeholders for more information on these authorities.

Organizations
China Plastic Processing Industry Association (CPPIA) was founded in 1989, and is a national,
non-profit industrial association for the plastics processing industry in China. CPPIA is
voluntarily composed of enterprises, institutions, social groups, scientific research institutes,
universities and colleges and individuals engaging in the plastics processing industry and
related industries.

CPPIA is guided and supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration
Commission of the State Council and China National Light Industry Council (CNLIC). There are
about 5,000 membership units in CPPIA.

CPPIA assists in formulating relevant industrial policies and standards, and responsible for
publicizing and implementing relevant national laws, policies, and decrees, collecting and
analyzing technical and economic information from China and abroad, developing market
forecasts, reporting important industry situations, proposing suggestions for solving
problems.

Under CPPIA, there are 40 professional committees such as: Plastics Pipes, Profiles for
Windows and Doors, Medical Plastics, Rigid Sheet of PVC, Low Foamed Rigid PVC Products,
Degradable Plastics, Plastics for Recycling, Plastic Additives, Research and Development of
New Materials, Education and Training as well as Cooperation Committee of Plastic
Technology, Committee of Experts, etc. 21

See Appendix 1: Relevant Stakeholders for more details on the above organizations.

3. Use of Lead Stabilizers and the Regulatory Environment in China.

Plastic additives are mainly used in PVC, PP, PE and engineering plastics among which PVC
consumes about 75% of the total quantity used in China.22 Following the fast development
of the plastic industry in China, the annual capacity, production, and consumption of heat
stabilizers has also increased.

21
Source: www.cppia.com.cn/en
22Wang Jing, “Plastic Additives,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing:
China Light Industry Press, 2020), 150.
8
Today, the annual capacity of heat stabilizers in China is over 1.5 million tons. In 2019, the
production exceeded 700,000 tons (including exports of about 100,000 tons) and the parent
consumption was over 600,000 tons.23

The main types of heat stabilizers are Lead salt heat stabilizers, compound metal heat
stabilizers (mainly Calcium and Zinc), organotin heat stabilizers, organic antimony heat
stabilizers, and Rare Earth heat stabilizers.24

In 2016, the total consumption of heat stabilizers in China was 650,000 tons with Lead salt
heat stabilizers at 227,500 tons (35%), compound metal heat stabilizers at 260,000 tons (40%)
and organotin heat stabilizers at 65,000 tons (10%).25

From the consumption figures, Lead salt heat stabilizers are still widely used in China.
Alternatively, organotin heat stabilizers have a good thermal stability, weather resistance
and transparency, which makes them effective heat stabilizers.26

Due to the adverse effects of Lead on human health and the environment, many countries
have limited or banned the use of Lead in PVC products. In China, Lead salt stabilizers are
restricted or banned in certain PVC products (mostly toys, children’ products, food/water
contact materials, and medical devices having direct contact with human blood).

In China, these regulations regarding the restrictions or ban of Lead salt stabilizers are listed
in different national standards27 for specific products.

For instance, GB/T 10002.1-2006 (“Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC-U) pipes for water
supply”) stipulates that Lead salt stabilizers should not be used for drinking water pipes.

According to GB 19335-2003 – Blood flow products for single use (general specification)
states that “As to the finished products, the total content of barium, chromium, copper, lead
and tin in the test solution should not exceed 1ug/ml during the AAS method test according
to GB/T 14233.1-1998”.

According to GB 18586-2001 - Indoor decorating and refurbishing materials – The limit of

harmful substances of polyvinyl chloride floor coverings, Lead migration (soluble Lead) shall
not exceed 20 mg/m².

According to GB 21550-2008 - The restriction of hazardous materials in polyvinyl chloride

23 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press,2020), 182.
24 Wang Jing, “Plastic Additives,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China

Light Industry Press,2020), 149.

25 Ibid., 150.
26
Tang Wei and CHEN Yu, “Present situation and development trend of PVC heat stabilizers in China,” Polyvinyl Chloride 45, no.8 (Aug
2017): 12.
26 Secretary department of Plastic Additives Committee of the China Plastic Processing Industry Association, “Plastic Additives,” in China

Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 369.
27
GB (Guobiao) standards are the national standards of China.
9
artificial leather, Lead migration (soluble lead) shall not exceed 90 mg/kg.

According to GB 6675.4-2014 Safety of toys – Part 4: Migration of certain elements, the

maximum limits requirements for migratable elements in toys: Lead (Pb): 90mg/kg (clay
modelling); 90mg/kg (other toy materials).

See Appendix 2: Regulations and Standards Restricting the Use of Lead Stabilizers

Although there is currently no unified law banning the use of Lead salt stabilizers, the
regulatory requirements of environmental protection imposed on manufactories are
increasing which puts pressure on manufactories to stop the use of Lead salt stabilizers.

According to the China Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, 200,000 tons of environmental-
friendly heat stabilizers were used for rigid PVC products and 100,000 tons used for flexible
PVC products in 2019.28

According to Mr. SHI Xunruo from the Plastic Additives Committee under CPPIA, China
focuses more on the development of environmental-friendly additives for rigid PVC which is
why the current development and promotion of applying environmental-friendly stabilizers
for flexible PVC are lagging behind.29

Mr. SHI Xunruo also see the bans of non-environmentally friendly heat stabilizers containing
heavy metals like Lead and Cadmium as the general trend. In his opinion, the development
direction of the heat stabilizers industry in the near future, will be the professional
application of high-efficiency, compound Zinc-based, non-toxic heat stabilizers and the
compound multi-functional organic Tin heat stabilizers, and research and development of
the organic compound heat stabilizers.30

4. Use of Problematic Phthalates Plasticizers (DEHP) and the Regulatory Environment in

China.

Plasticizes are an important class of additives for improving the performance of flexible PVC
products. Today, China is the world largest producer and consumer of plasticizers in which
the main plasticizers are still petrochemical products like orthophthalates DOP (DEHP) DBP,
DINP and terephthalate DOTP (DEHT).31

In 2019, China produced 4.85 million tons of plasticizers (with a consumption of 4.39 million
tons) including 1.49 million tons of DOP (DEHP 30.72%), 0.52 million tons of DINP (10.72%),
0.6 million tons of DBP/DIBP (12.37%) and 0.26 million tons of DPHP (5.36%).32

28 Ibid.
29 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), page 182.
30 Ibid., page 183.
31
Secretary department of Plastic Additives Committee of the Plastic Processing Industry Association, “Plastic Additives,” in China Plastics
Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press,2020), page 369.
32 Ibid.

10
Several studies have demonstrated that especially the low-molecular weight orthophthalates
plasticizers (i.e., DEHP, DBP and DIBP) are harmful to human beings, animals, plants and the
environment which is why many countries are exerting more and more control over
phthalate plasticizers.

As a result, global consumption of DOP (DEHP) has shown a significant downward trend. In
line with the consideration of consumer health, the international requirements for
traditional phthalates plasticizers are becoming more and more stringent.

China has released some restrictions that limit or ban the use of DOP (DEHP) plasticizers
mainly for products such as toys and children’s products, materials and articles intended to
get into contact with foods, plastic furniture and medical devices intended to come into
contact with human blood, skincare and cosmetics products.33

Moreover, there are some national standards involving limited use of phthalates in products
such as plastic furniture, construction glues, decoration materials, fabric, rubber products,
electronic products, shoes and soles, cosmetics.

See Appendix 3: China National Standards and Industry Standards Restricting the Use of Toxic
Phthalates Plasticizers.

According to the Plastic Additives Committee under CPPIA: “In recent years, the situation of
China’s DEHP market is as follows: Market stagnant, over production, harsh conditions in the
industry, and thin profits. Although the shrinking of the DEHP market is inevitable, DEHP may
not be eliminated in the short term.”34

As a result, the pressure on traditionally used plasticizers has increased and forced many
manufacturers of PVC products to develop and use environmental-friendly plasticizers to
substitute problematic phthalate plasticizers.

The most common environmental-friendly plasticizers are citrate plasticizers with the
substances of ATBC and TBC 35 . Furthermore, there are other alternative environmental-
friendly plasticizers such as cycloalkyl dicarboxylate, phosphate esters, epoxy esters, and
castor oil derived esters.36

The annual production of epoxy plasticizers in China in 2019 was 400,000 tons accounting for
8.25% of the total production of plasticizers while the annual production of citrate
plasticizers was 75,000 tons in 2019.37

33 Wang Xiaoyan et al., “Overview of Phthalate Plasticizers, Current Regulations and Standards,” CHINA PLASTICS 33, no.6 (June 2019): 98.
34 Secretary department of plastic additives committee of the China Plastic Processing Industry Association, “Plastic Additives,” in China
Plastics Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press,2020), 369.
35 ATBC: Tributylacetyl citrate and TBC: Tributyl citrate.
36
Wang Xiaoyan et al., “Overview of Phthalate Plasticizers, Current Regulations and Standards,” China Plastics 33, no.6 (June 2019): 104.
37 Secretary department of plastic additives committee of the Plastic Processing Industry Association, “Plastic Additives,” in China Plastics

Industry Yearbook 2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 369.
11
In recent years, DOTP (DEHT) has been widely praised as an environmental-friendly
plasticizer in the cable material industry and in the production of disposable gloves which is
gradually eroding the DOP (DEHP) market share. In 2019, the production of DOTP (DEHT)
plasticizers was 1.32 million tons which is only 170,000 tons less than the DEHP plasticizers
with 1.49 million tons.38

Mr. SHI Xunruo from the Plastic Additives Committee under CPPIA is of the opinion that the
border line of so-called environmental plasticizers on the market is not clear. Even though
DOTP (DEHT) is generally regarded as an environmental plasticizer, its chemical structure is
similar to DOP (DEHP) and therefore contributes roughly the same amount of pollution 39 to
the environment.40

Mr. SHI Xunruo also states that: “So far, there are few plasticizer varieties that can completely
replace DOP (DEHP) in the domestic market, not even German BASF products41, and the cost
performance index is not enough (domestic consumption still adheres to the tradition of high
quality and low price)”.42

5. Waste Management and Recycling.

For a long time, the development of the plastic recycling of waste industry in China was based
on the importation of waste plastics from mostly Europe and the US. China started to import
solid waste including plastics in the 1980s to make up for an unsatisfied demand for raw
materials to produce plastic products.

From 2014-2016, the amount of imported waste plastics reached 8.254 million tons, 7.354
million tons and 7.347 million tons, respectively.43

However, the collection and recycling of domestically generated plastic waste has been less
systematic and efficient, mostly relying on private waste collectors and small-scale operators.

In 2017, the General Office of the State Council issued the “Implementation Plan on Banning
the Entry of Overseas Garbage and Promoting the Reform of Solid Waste Import
Management System” to tighten the regulations and management of solid waste imports.

Accordingly, by late 2017, China banned the imports of solid waste that was causing great
environmental damage and raised strong public concerns. By the end of 2019, China phased

38 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 184.
39 This contradicts the general regulatory situation in Europe. According to the notifications provided by companies to the European

Chemical Agency (ECHA), no hazardous substances have been classified in their REACH registrations of DEHT.
40 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook

2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 184.
41 BASF has a wide selection of plasticizers in their product portfolio: Phthalate and none-phthalate (e.g. DINCH and Adipate) based. Their

general recommendation is that different functional requirements require different plasticizers, but that it is possible to find alternatives
to DEHP.
42 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook

2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press, 2020), 184.
43 Department of Circulation Industry Development of the Ministry of Commerce & China National Resources Recycling Association,

Report of Recycling of Renewable Resources Industrial Development in China (2016, 2018).

12
out the imports of solid waste that can be replaced by domestic resources.44 The import of
waste plastics fell from 5.829 million tons in 2017 to only 51,000 tons in 2018.45

The banning of imported waste also aims to improve the recycling and utilization of domestic
solid waste by speeding up the development of the domestic solid waste recycling and
utilization system, establishing and improving the manufacturer liability system, and
promoting urban and rural household waste classification to improve the recycling and
utilization ratio of domestic solid waste. This aims to increase the amount of recycled
domestic solid waste from 246 million tons in 2015 to 350 million tons by 2020. 46

The National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology, Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development
are responsible for the long-term implementation.

Several policies have been launched by the Chinese authorities to promote the recycling ratio
of waste. In 2017, the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of
Housing and Urban-Rural Development jointly issued the “Implementation Plan of Domestic
Waste Classification System” asking 46 cities to the start the mandatory classification of
domestic waste which was only recommended in the past.

On 1 January 2018, the revised “Environmental Protection Law of the PRC” took effect with
the stated purpose to improve the environment, reduce the discharge of pollutants, and
promote ecological progress. As part of the revised Law, environmental protection taxes
were introduced to regulate the emissions of pollutants and penalize violations.

In May 2018, the Chinese authorities carried out a series of special investigations on the
illegal transfer and dumping of solid wastes to ensure the implementation of the above
policies. Thousands of areas were found with problems and ordered to be rectified.47

On 29 December 2018, the General Office of the State Council released the “Pilot Work Plan
for the Construction of Zero Waste City” that refers to an urban development model that
aims to reduce the generation and boost the recycling of solid waste, reducing landfill and
minimize the environmental impact of solid waste by promoting green development and
green lifestyles.48

In January 2020, the National Development and Reform Commission and Ministry of
Ecological Environment jointly released the “Opinions of the National Development and

44 General Office of the State Council, Notice of the General Office of the State Council on the Promulgation of Implementation Plan on
Banning the Entry of Foreign Garbage and Promoting the Reform of Solid Waste Import Management System, Guo Ban Fa [2017] No. 70.
45 Department of Circulation Industry Development of the Ministry of Commerce & China National Resources Recycling Association,

Report of Recycling of Renewable Resources Industrial Development in China (2019).

46 General Office of the State Council, Notice of the General Office of the State Council on the Promulgation of Implementation Plan on

Banning the Entry of Foreign Garbage and Promoting the Reform of Solid Waste Import Management System, Guo Ban Fa [2017] No. 70.
47 Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the PRC, 2019 Yearly Report of Solid Waste Pollution Environmental Protection and Controlling
of large and medium sized cities in China, 2019, 11-12.
http://www.mee.gov.cn/ywgz/gtfwyhxpgl/gtfw/201912/P020191231360445518365.pdf (accessed December 14, 2020).
48 General Office of the State Council, Work Plan on “Zero-waste City” Pilot Program in China, Guo Ban Fa [2018] No. 128.
13
Reform Commission and the Ministry of Ecological Environment on Further Strengthening
the Treatment of Plastic Pollution”.

According to the “Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of
Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Wastes” (Solid Wastes Law) that took effect on 1
September 2020, solid wastes are categorized as domestic wastes, industrial solid wastes,
construction wastes, agricultural solid wastes, and hazardous wastes.49

Domestic Solid Waste

Domestic wastes refer to solid wastes generated from daily life and some solid wastes
classified as domestic wastes under current laws and regulations. 50 According to the
National Bureau of Statistics of China, domestic wastes generated from 2016-2018 increased
from 2.036 to 2.20 billion tons51 in which plastic wastes accounted for about 12.1%52.

The main methods used for the treatment of domestic wastes in China are landfilling and
incineration, accounting for 51.3% and 44.67%, respectively in 2018.53

In July 2019, Shanghai became the first city in China to mandatorily implement the
classification of domestic waste which has since spread to 46 major cities.

According to the “Administration Rules of Shanghai Domestic Wastes” released in January

2019, domestic wastes are categorized in four groups: Recycled waste, hazardous waste, wet
waste and dry waste. PVC products generally fall into recycled waste as there is no separate
category for plastic wastes.

Industrial Solid Wastes

Industrial solid wastes refers to solid wastes generated during industrial production 54 .
According to the “2019 Report of Solid Waste Pollution, Environmental Protection and
Controlling of Large and Medium-sized cities in China” that was based on information
collected from 200 selected large and medium-sized cities, about 41.7% of industrial solid
wastes were recycled, 18.99% were disposed of (landfilled or incinerated), and 39.3% were
stored for further action such as recycling, landfill or incineration.

According to a market study of the sources of plastic waste, the scrap material produced
during the industrial production process is basically completely recycled.55

49 Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Wastes (revised in
2020), Article 124.
50 Ibid.
51 Source: National Bureau of Statistics.
52 “Analysis of Investment in the domestic waste treatment industry,” China Association of Circular Economy, May 8, 2020,
http://www.chinacace.org/news/view?id=11499 (accessed December 14, 2020).
53 Source: National Bureau of Statistics.
54
Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid Wastes (revised in
2020), Article 124.
55 Ke Minjing, “Market Study of China Waste Plastics in Recycle and Recovery,” Plastic packaging 28, no.3 (2018): 27.

14
Construction Wastes
Construction wastes refers to discarded soil, materials and other solid wastes produced in
the process of constructing new buildings, rebuilding, expanding and dismantling various
buildings, structures and pipelines as well as in the process of house decoration and fitting
by residents.56 This is the first time that construction waste is defined in the Solid Wastes
Law instead of regulations.

At present, China has not established any systematic statistics for construction wastes
including PVC building materials, and there are different opinions on the amount of the
annually generated construction wastes.57

According to the Report of the oversight investigation of the Implementation of the “Law of
the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution
Caused by Solid Wastes” that was issued by the “National People’s Congress Standing
Committee Law Enforcement Inspection Team” in November 2017, the annually generated
construction wastes was about 1.8 billion tons. The Report also states that there are no
specific locations for the disposal of most of the construction wastes.58

In 2017, the annual generated construction waste was 2.38 billion tons with a recycling rate
of only 5% (119 million tons).59

There are three main types of construction wastes namely demolition wastes, construction
wastes and decoration wastes accounting for 58%, 36% and 6%, respectively. In recent years,
the total amount of construction wastes has exceeded 20 billion tons and most of the
construction wastes are piled up in open areas or landfilled.60

Plastic Wastes
According to Mr. PANG Guanglian, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party
Committee and Deputy Secretary-General of the “China Petroleum and Chemical Industry
Federation”, the total amount of plastic wastes generated in China in 2019 was 63 million
tons which also includes plastics in TVs, automobiles and other products that were produced
in the past and have now been scrapped.61

In total, the amount of plastic waste landfilled was 20.16 million tons (32%), the amount for
incineration was 19.53 million tons (31%) and the amount of plastic waste recycled was 18.9

56 SW Law (revised in 2020), Article 124.

57 LAN Cong, LU Jialin, CHEN Jing and GAO Yuxin, “Status Quo and Development Analysis of Resource Utilization of Construction Waste in
China”, Jiangxi Construction Materials, (June 2018):20.
58 National People’s Congress Standing Committee Law Enforcement Inspection Team, Report of the oversight investigation of the

Implementation of the “Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution Caused by Solid
Wastes, by Zhang Dejiang, 2017, http://npc.people.com.cn/n1/2017/1102/c14576-29622406.html (accessed December 14, 2020).
59 Zhao Shiyong, “Current situation of renewal resource utilization of construction waste”, Enterprise Technology and Development 463,

no.5 (2020): 129.

60
Ibid.
61 Pang Guanglian, “Renewal resource utilization of waste plastic, Chemical industry can do it better,” interview by Tang Yin, August 13,

2020, https://www.chemnews.com.cn/c/2020-08-13/662744.shtml (accessed December 14, 2020).

15
million tons (28%) in which the latter shows an increase of 3.3% compared with 18.3 million
tons in 2018.62

In terms of the product structure of China’s plastic waste recycling in 2019, PET accounted
for 33%, PE for 20%, PP for 19%, and PVC for 15%.63 The recycled waste PVC was about 2.835
million tons in 2019.

6. Barriers for Substitution of Lead Stabilizers and Toxic Phthalates Plasticizers.

The replacement of toxic chemical additives like Lead stabilizers and DEHP plasticizers in PVC
products with safer alternatives in China has in recent years received growing attention due
to their damaging effect on both human health and the environment.

In the following, we will go through some of the possible barriers for their substitution in
China and suggestions/ideas to diminish these. It does not represent a complete and definite
list and does not consider to what degree the suggestions/ideas are feasible or not.

Table 6: Possible Barriers for Substitution

Issues Suggestions/Ideas
Standards and Regulations
In China, the restrictions on the use of Identify, contact and meet with experts from
classified phthalates plasticizers and lead relevant industry associations and
stabilizers only apply to limited applications authorities to promote and discuss
and are still widely used in China. restrictions/bans in more areas.
Limitation on the use of the classified Systematize and unify standards and
phthalates plasticizers and lead stabilizers regulations.
are spread in different standards and
regulations which makes it difficult for
users to comply with.
Some current regulations are testing Include national limitation standards in
method standards rather than limitation national testing method standards to
standards which may create market strengthen supervision and control.
supervision difficulties.64

Some PVC product standards include clear Require independent production audits and
requirements for the limit of Lead in raw official inspections to ensure compliance and
materials but do not provide corresponding clamp down on violations.
inspection and control methods.
Technology Development
Lack of 100% satisfactory replacements.  Chinese authorities and PVC industry

62Ibid.
63
Ibid.
64 Wang Xiaoyan et al., “Overview of Phthalate Plasticizers, Current Regulations and Standards,” CHINA PLASTICS 33, no.6 (June
2019):103.
16
 should promote the use of safer
“At present, there are rare substitutes that substitutes.
can completely replace DEHP phthalates  Create industry guidelines on how to use
plasticizers from the perspective of cost substitutes to ensure consistent product
performance.”65 quality.
 Support R&D in creating better
alternatives with comparable properties.
As Lead salt heat stabilizers have Provide training to technicians and require
dominated the market for years, and the professional certificates for key positions.
current equipment mould, technological
conditions, and product formulas have
reached the overall optimization
consistency with Lead salt stabilizers,
simply replacing these with environmental-
friendly stabilizers may create unexpected
results.66
Higher cost of alternative additives.  Develop more low-cost, high-
performance substitutes.
“Development of more environmental-  Tax production of specific toxic additives
friendly additives is mainly limited by and/or sales of products containing toxic
costs.”67 additives.
Relatively low market entry thresholds Make it more costly and difficult to obtain
which creates fierce competition and low licenses for production of PVC products and
prices that may result in low quality PVC additives which could lead to consolidation
products to ensure profits. and improve profitability.
Cross-contamination of PVC products Require separate production equipment to
without Lead stabilizers with Lead because be used for Lead and Lead-free PVC
the same production equipment is used for products. Introduce official licenses and
both types of PVC products due to certifications for Lead-free production and
insufficient control of work processes. products. Impose fines on producers for non-
compliance.

Recycling
Large amounts of different additives used Introduce industry standards for the use of
in PVC products makes it difficult to achieve additives in PVC products according to
a recycling quality that is similar to virgin product types to ensure higher consistency
materials. in PVC materials for recycling.
Large quantities of different additives used Reduce the number and quantities of

65 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook
2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press,2020), 184.
66 Shi Xunruo, “The current situation and development trend of additives used for PVC products,” in China Plastics Industry Yearbook

2020, ed. China Plastic Processing Industry Association (Beijing: China Light Industry Press,2020), 183.
67
Wang Xiaoyan et al., “Overview of Phthalate Plasticizers, Current Regulations and Standards,” CHINA PLASTICS 33, no.6 (June
2019):103.
17
in PVC products makes it difficult to sort additives allowed in PVC products. Introduce
PVC products into uniform waste materials. classification system of plastics according to
applications, e.g., pipes, fittings, profiles, etc.
Price difference between new PVC plastics Introduce taxes on the production of new
and recycled PVC plastics as raw materials PVC products (or preferential treatment for
is small whereby the recycling companies production of waste PVC products) to make
are not motivated to collect and recycle the use of recycled PVC products more
PVC waste. economically viable. Provide national
subsidies to support the recycling industry.
Classification of solid waste is a new thing Introduce nationwide classification system
in China where plastics are not a separate where all plastics are sorted and collected
category for collection which makes it more separately from domestic, industrial and
difficult to sort and recycle PVC products. construction wastes.
Management and control of PVC waste Accelerate the implementation of
products in construction waste is under regulations that require the sorting of
development and not complete. construction waste according to materials
before final recycling.
Big portion of plastic products are sent for Introduce specific regulations that require a
landfill and incineration which is harmful to high recycling ratio on plastic waste, and tax
human health and the environment. plastic wastes sent to landfill and
incineration. Make producers of (PVC) plastic
responsible for collection and recycling (life-
cycle).
Local execution of existing environmental Penalize local governments and companies if
regulations is weak with illegal dumping they violate the environmental protection
and handling of waste. Rural China covers a law and related regulations while
huge land area which makes the encouraging local recycling efforts through
implementation challenging. funding and subsidies.
Stricter implementation of environmental Encourage or force further industry
regulations pushes out small producers consolidation and offer other employment
who do not have the means for proper opportunities for laid-off personnel.
pollution protection.
PVC products made in China and exported Introduce international standards and
to the EU shall meet EU standards. With the regulations where all (plastic) products
development of e-commerce, it is possible including toxic additives must be clearly
to buy and import products with harmful marked/labelled with the ingredients and
additives from China that may not meet EU quantities used to stop unsafe products
regulations. being exported/imported including e-
commerce.

Urge e-commerce platform operators to

prevent certain products containing toxic
additives from being sold online.

18
7. Summary and Conclusions.

Today, China is one of the world’s largest producers and users of PVC resin and PVC products
which reflects a rapidly expanding economy with growing urbanization, huge infrastructure
projects and a construction boom over the last 20 years which has fueled domestic demand.

As a result, the production and use of additives for PVC products has been rising significantly
in which both Lead salt stabilizers and DEHP plasticizers are widely used in China.

Presently, the demand for PVC products in China is mainly generated by the domestic market,
and total exports are relatively low. However, with the rapid growth of international e-
commerce, many private consumers in the EU may (un)knowingly be importing (plastic)
products from China that may not meet EU regulations.

With the adoption of China’s current 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), more sustainable and
environmentally friendly production has become a key policy area and top priority.

Although no unified national regulations and standards exist on the use of metal stabilizers
like Lead and phthalates plasticizers like DEHP in PVC products, many specific product
regulations and standards do exist that limit or ban their use. Overall, there is growing
regulatory pressure on the Chinese PVC industry to replace the use of harmful additives with
safer substitutes.

For many years, China relied on the import of plastic waste including PVC from mostly Europe
and the US to meet an unsatisfied demand for raw materials to produce plastic products. As
a result, a thriving recycling industry based on imported plastics emerged.

However, the collection and recycling of domestically generated plastic waste has for a long
time been less systematic and efficient, mostly relying on private waste collectors and small-
scale operators.

In late 2017, China decided to tighten the regulations and ban the import of solid waste
including plastics by the end of 2019 as it was causing great environmental damage and public
concerns. The aim is to improve the recycling rate and use of domestic solid waste in China.

In July 2019, Shanghai was the first city in China to introduce a mandatory classification and
recycling system of domestic waste which has since spread to 46 major cities. Since then,
several new national policies and initiatives have been launched to promote the recycling of
solid waste including plastics.

Out of the 63 million tons of plastic waste generated in China in 2019, 18.9 million tons (28%)
was recycled in which PVC represented 2.835 million tons while 21.6 million tons (32%) went
to landfill and 19.53 million tons (31%) for incineration. As such, a huge amount of plastic
waste including PVC products is not separated and recycled which is hurting the environment.

19
Based on our findings, it is clear that the overall Chinese PVC Industry including resin,
additives and products have come under strong regulatory pressure in recent years to align
with the Chinese governments priorities on developing a greener economy, reduce pollution
and improve human health by restricting the use of toxic materials including chemical
additives.

As a result, the banning of harmful stabilizers containing heavy metals like Lead and
restrictions on the use of phthalates plasticizers like DEHP by using safer alternatives is
gaining momentum.

The recent ban of imported solid waste and the law on the prevention and control of
environmental pollution by classifying and recycling solid wastes including plastics are
important steps in creating public awareness and action to improve living conditions in China.

However, possible barriers do remain that may affect how quickly China can implement and
enforce the many new green policies and regulations nationwide, but the direction is clear.

With the launch of the revised Environmental Protection Law on 1 January 2018 and China’s
coming 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the Chinese government continues to emphasize the
importance of protecting the environment, reducing pollutants and combating climate
change.

China is therefore expected to implement a series of ambitious and aggressive plans for green
and low-carbon development that among others include green finance, green technological
innovation, clean production facilities and green transformation of key industries.

As such, the proactive partnership between the European PVC industry under VinylPlus (PVC
Information Council in Denmark) and EU regulators (Danish EPA) on tackling the sustainability
challenges of PVC could serve as a template for initiating a close dialogue with similar key
stakeholders in China.

8. Way Forward/Next Step

To initiate any fruitful dialogue with the Chinese PVC industry on the challenges and benefits
of replacing harmful additives in PVC products with safer alternatives, it is important to
engage directly with the actual key stakeholders in China.

A good starting point would be to contact the China Plastic Processing Industry Association
(CPPIA) in Beijing that represents 5,000 member units consisting of enterprises, institutions,
social groups, scientific research institutes, universities and colleges and individuals
engaged in the plastics processing industry and related industries. It has 40 professional
committees including for PVC products and plastic additives.

CPPIA is guided and supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration
Commission of the State Council (SASAC) and is therefore directly connected to the Chinese

20
government and responsible authorities in China.

To get in touch with the right decision-makers in CPPIA, it is important that the initial contact
is handled through the right official channels. This could for instance be by sending an official
letter on behalf of VinylPlus representing the European PVC industry to CPPIA and ask for a
meeting to connect and discuss common challenges and solutions regarding the reduction
and banning of harmful additives in PVC.

Based on the initiated dialogue, VinylPlus could propose to organize a joint conference with
CPPIA in China where invited industry experts, enterprises and authorities from both China
and Europe could exchange know-how, experiences and best practices for mutual benefit and
support of the PVC industry.

CPPIA also co-sponsors the annual China Plastics Exhibition & Conference (China PEC) which
is currently planned to take place next time in Taizhou in October 2021. As such, a joint forum
between CPPIA and VinylPlus could be organized during China PEC to inform about the latest
developments and regulatory changes in the European and Chinese PVC industries.

The main aim would be to build personal relations and mutual trust between the parties
based on win-win. Europe and China have much to benefit from engaging in a close
cooperation on creating a more sustainable and circular world economy that will improve
human health and protect the environment.

©Copyright 2021 All rights reserved by Nordics Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd..
The information contained herein is for general information purposes only. All the information
is provided in good faith and the authors make no representation or warranty of any kind,
express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or
completeness of any information and suggestions.

21
Appendix 1: Relevant Stakeholders

Government Authorities Description Website

National Development Main functions of the NDRC can be found here: www.ndrc.gov.cn (English
and Reform Commission https://en.ndrc.gov.cn/mfndrc_8237/200812/t20081217_1193980.html version available)
Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology was established in 2008 as a www.miit.gov.cn
Information Technology department under the State Council responsible for the administration of China’s
industrial sectors and information industry. http://english.www.gov.cn/st
ate_council/2014/08/23/cont
The main responsibilities of the ministry: ent_281474983035940.htm
 To determine China’s industrial planning, policies and standards
 To monitor the daily operation of industrial branches
 To promote the development of major technological equipment and
innovation concerning the communication sector
 To guide the construction of information system
 To safeguard China’s information security.

Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development was established in 2008 as a www.mohurd.gov.cn
Urban-Rural department under the State Council responsible for the administration of
Development construction projects in China.

The main responsibilities of the ministry are:

 To guide the planning and construction of rural and urban areas in China
 To establish national standards of construction
 To guide construction activity and regulate construction market in China.
 To manage the housing and real estate industry.

State Administration for State Administration for Market Regulation is responsible for: www.samr.gov.cn
Market Regulation
22
  Market entity registration.
 Commodity prices.
 Anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition enforcement.
 Commercial bribery.
 Trademarks and patents infringement.
 Food and industrial product safety.
 Drug administration.
 Quality inspection, certification, and accreditation.

State-owned Assets An ad-hoc ministerial-level organization directly under the State Council. SASAC http://en.sasac.gov.cn/
Supervision and is responsible for managing SOEs, including appointing top executives and
Administration approving any mergers or sales of stock or assets as well as drafting laws related
Commission of the State to state-owned enterprises.
Council (SASAC)
Ministry of Commerce Responsible for formulating policy on foreign trade, export and import http://english.mofcom.gov.cn
(MOFCOM) regulations, foreign direct investments, consumer protection, market /
competition and negotiating bilateral and multilateral trade agreements of the
Mainland China
General Office of the Administrative agency of the State Council which assists the leaders with the day http://english.www.gov.cn/
State Council to day administrative operations of the Chinese government.
Organizations
China Plastic Processing National, non-profit industrial organization covering the plastics processing www.cppia.com.cn
Industry Association industry in China. CPPIA is voluntarily composed of enterprises, institutions, social
(CPPIA) groups, scientific research institutes, universities and colleges and individuals
engaged in the plastics processing industry and related industry.

It is guided and supervised by the State-owned Assets Supervision and

23
 Administration Commission of the State Council and China National Light Industry
Council. It has numbers of special committees covering different areas such as
plastic additives and PVC products.
China National Light CNLIC was established in 2001 by different national level associations, societies, www.cnlic.org.cn/#
Industry Council (CNLIC) institutions, enterprises, scientific R&D institutes, colleges, and universities in
the light industry sectors. It is a nationwide comprehensive legal social
organization registered under the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Its goal is to act as a
bridge between the government and enterprises by representing a wide range
of service and production enterprises. The organization also promotes the
development of light industry in China and strengthens international exchange
and cooperation.
Green Recycling Plastic Led by the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association and China National
Supply Chain Group Resources Recycling Association. Officially launched on 23 June 2020 and consists
of 16 members.68

GRPG works to solve the bottlenecks in the creation of the plastic recycling
economy through cooperation with important stakeholders, build a standard and
evaluation system that is recognized by the whole recycled plastic industry chain,
open up all links in the plastic industry chain, and promote the application of
green recycled plastics as well as the construction of a green plastic supply chain
to explore a new model for the development of the plastic circular economy in
China and world.

68 http://www.replastics.org/news_detail.php?id=502.
24
China Association of CACE is a nationwide organization that spans various industries. CACE is under the www.chinacace.org
Circular Economy (CACE) administration of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration
Commission of the State Council and is guided by the National Development and
Reform Commission and other government departments.

CACE carries out the fundamental state policy of resource conservation and
environmental protection and implements the Circular Economy Promotion Law.
Relying on the members and connecting with all parties, CACE plays the role as a
bridge and makes active contributions to establishing the resource recycling
system covering the whole of society, improve resource utilization efficiency,
prevent pollutions at source, promote green, circular and low-carbon
development, accelerate ecological civilization construction and transformation
to a green economy.

CACE formulates strategic planning for government on the development of

circular economy, improves standards and regulations and policy mechanism,
promotes technology progress, develops demonstration sites and pilots, and
strengthens dissemination and trainings, enhances supervision and management,
and provides technical supports.

CACE is also responsible for formulating development planning and

implementation schemes for the industries, enterprises and members, promoting
advanced technology and business models, offering project verification,
matchmaking and investment and financing services, and consulting services on
policies, management, technology and markets information, reflecting demands
and policy suggestions of enterprises, and finally promoting the healthy
development of circular economy in accordance with the relevant laws and
regulations.

25
China Petroleum and Non-government, non-profit organization consisting of companies, institutes, www.cpcia.org.cn
Chemical Industry sectional associations and local associations in the petroleum and chemical
Federation (CPCIA) industry. It is the umbrella organization that provides service and implements
certain administrative functions within this industry on the national level.
Exporters
Below are Some Top Export Enterprises of Selected PVC Products

Product: HS 3918109000 Floorings of PVC:

- Taizhou Huali New Materials Co., Ltd. (Hualifloors.com/en/index.html)
- Tianzhen Bamboo Flooring Co., Ltd. (www.tzflooring.com)
- Yihua Rundong Plastic Flooring Co., Ltd. (Yihuaplastic.com/factory/)
Product: HS 3926201100 Gloves of PVC:
- Bluesail Medical Co., Ltd., commonly referred to as Bluesail (https://www.bluesail.cn/en/index.php)
- Zhonghong Pulin Medical Product Co., Ltd. (en.zhonghongmedical.com)
- Wally Plastic Co., Ltd. (www.wallyplastic.com/en/index.php)

26
Appendix 2: Regulations and Standards Restricting the Use of Lead Stabilizers

The restrictions on the use of Lead are spread over a large number of regulations and
standards made for specific products. Certain product standards are supplemented by a
separate test method standard.

Moreover, if any PVC products are to be used for a specific purpose, the regulations and
standards that apply to the referred purpose shall also apply to the PVC products no matter if
the same restrictions have been stated in the PVC standards.

For instance, PVC pipes used for drinking water shall comply with the PVC product standard
GB/T 17219 (“Standard for safety evaluation of equipment and protective materials in drinking
water system”) and the hygiene standard “Standard for safety evaluation of equipment and
protective materials in drinking water system” and ensure that transferred water shall meet
the requirements of the “standards for drinking water quality”.

The restrictions of the use of Lead in PVC products can be complicated and difficult to
understand by the users and can be a challenge to apply.

Below is an incomplete list of regulations and standards applicable to PVC products and
general products (including but not limited to PVC products).

Standard No. Name of Regulations/Standards Requirements

Pipes and Fittings
GB/T 17219-1998 Standard for safety evaluation of
equipment and protective materials in
drinking water system
GB/T 4219.1-2008 Plastics piping system for industrial When transporting carbonic acid,
applications - Unplasticized poly (vinyl food and beverage, and medicine,
chloride) (PVC-U) - Specifications for its hygienic performance should
components and the system - Part 1: be implemented in accordance
Pipes with relevant standards.

Mark: relevant sanitary standard

number (when applicable)
GB/T 10002.1-2006 Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC- Lead salt stabilizers should not be
U) pipes for water supply used for drinking water pipes, and
the sanitary performance should
meet the requirements of GB/T
17219-1998.
GB/T 10002.2-2003 Fittings made of unplasticized poly (vinyl
chloride) (PVC-U) for water supply
GB/T 10002.3-2011 Valves made of unplasticized poly (vinyl
chloride) (PVC-U) for water supply
GB/T 18993.1-2003 Chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) piping
27
 system for hot and cold water
installations, Part 1: General
GB/T 18993.2-2003 Chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) piping
systems for hot and cold water
installations, Part 2: Pipes
GB/T 18993.3-2003 Chlorinated poly (Vinyl chloride) piping
systems for hot and cold water
installations, Part 3: Fittings
GB/T 27725-2011 Butterfly valves of thermoplastics
materials
GB/T 28494-2012 Globe valves of thermoplastics materials
GB/T 32018.1-2015 Modified impact resistance poly (vinyl
chloride) (PVC-M) pipe system for water
supply, Part 1: Pipes
GB/T 32018.2-2015 Modified impact resistance poly (vinyl
chloride) (PVC-M) pipe system for water
supply, Part 2：Fittings
CJ/T 218-2010 Acrylic copolymer together with PVC
pipes and fittings for water supply.
CJ/T 272-2008 Impact-resistant modified polyvinyl
chloride (PVC-M) pipes and fittings for
water supply
CJ/T 308-2009 Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U)
pipes for water wells
CJ/T 445-2014 Impact and compression biaxially
oriented PVC pipes and connectors for
water supply.
CJ/T 493-2016 High-performance rigid PVC pipes and
connectors for water supply.
Shape
GB/T 8814-2017 Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U)
profiles for the doors and windows
Flexible PVC Products
GB/T 3830-2008 Calendared film and sheet from flexible
polyvinyl chloride
GB 10010-2009 Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Finished product: the total
tubing for medical uses content of heavy metals in the test
solution ≤ 1 μg /ml
GB 10457-2009 Plastic cling wrap film for keeping fresh
of food
GB/T 15593-1995 Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Heavy metal content ≤0.3 μg /ml
compounds for transfusion (infusion)
equipment
GB 19335-2003 Blood flow products for single use - The polyvinyl chloride material of
28
 General specification the pipeline in direct and indirect
contact with blood should meet
the requirements of GB 15593.
Finished product: During the AAS
method test according to GB/T
14233.1-1998, the total content
of barium, chromium, copper,
lead and tin in the test solution
should not exceed 1ug/ml.
JB/T 11376-2013 PVC reflective film
QB/T 4043-2010 PVC artificial leather for automobile
QB/T 4042-2010 PVC coating membrane material
QB/T 4344-2012 PVC artificial leather for skirt belt.
Floor Tiles and Flooring
GB/T 4085-2015 Semi-rigid polyvinyl chloride floor tiles Shall meet the requirements of
GB 18586. (Lead migration
(soluble Lead) ≯20 mg / m²)
GB/T 11982.1-2015 Polyvinyl chloride floor coverings, Part 1: The limit of hazardous substances
Heterogeneous polyvinyl chloride floor shall meet the requirements of GB
coverings 18586. (Lead migration (soluble
Lead) ≯20 mg /m²)
GB/T 11982.2-2015 Polyvinyl chloride floor coverings, Part 2: The limit of hazardous substances
Homogeneous polyvinyl chloride floor shall meet the requirements of
covering GB 18586 (Lead migration
(soluble Lead) ≯20 mg / m²)
GB/T 22789.1-2008 Plastics - Unplasticized poly (vinyl
chloride) sheets - Types, dimensions and
characteristics, Part 1: Sheets of
thickness not less than 1 mm
GB/T 34440-2017 Rigid polyvinyl chloride flooring Soluble Lead content ≤20 mg/m²
HG/T 3747.3-2006 Rubber and plastic flooring materials The release limit of soluble heavy
Part 3: Flame retardant PVC flooring metals shall be implemented in
accordance with the provisions of
GB 18586. (Lead migration
(soluble Lead) ≯20 mg / m²)
LY/T 1279-2008 Artificial board with PVC film for surface
decoration
Standards Relevant for PVC products
GB 4806.7-2016 National Food Safety Standard - Plastic
Materials and Articles used in Food-
contact
GB/T 5009.67-2003 Method for analysis of hygienic standard
of products of polyvinyl chloride for food
packaging
29
GB/T 5750.6-2006 Standard examination methods for
drinking water - Metal parameters
GB/T 14233.1-2008 Test methods for infusion, transfusion,
injection equipment for medical use,
Part 1: Chemical analysis methods
GB/T 17219-1998 Standard for safety evaluation of
equipment and protective materials in
drinking water system
GB/T 17593.1-2006 Textiles - Determination of heavy metals,
Part 1: Atomic absorption
spectrophotometry
GB 18006.1-2009 General requirement of plastic
disposable tableware
GB 18585-2001 Indoor decorating and refurbishing
materials-Limit of harmful substances of
wallpapers
GB 18586-2001 Indoor decorating and refurbishing Lead migration (soluble Lead) ≯
materials-Limit of harmful substances of 20 mg / m²
polyvinyl chloride floor coverings
GB 21550-2008 The restriction of hazardous materials in Lead migration (soluble Lead) ≯
polyvinyl chloride artificial leather 90 mg /kg
GB/T 22930-2008 Leather and fur - Chemical tests -
Determination of heavy metal content
GB 28481-2012 Limit of harmful substances of plastic
Lead migration (soluble Lead) ≤
furniture
90 mg /kg
GB 31604.9-2016 National Food Safety Standard-Food
contact materials and products-
Determination of heavy metals in food
simulants
GB/T 33284-2016 Indoor decoration and refurbishing
materials—Limit of harmful substances
of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-
U) profiles for the doors and windows
SJ/T 11365-2006 Detection methods of toxic and
hazardous substances in electronic
information products
SN/T 1888.5-2007 Hygienic standard of import/export food
packaging containers and materials for
irradiated food Part 5: PVC products
SN/T 1891.4-2007 Hygienic standard of import/export food
packing containers and materials for
microwave Part 4: PVC products

30
 GB 6675.4-2014 Safety of Toys – Part 4: Migration of Maximum limit requirements for
certain elements migratable elements in toys:
Lead (Pb): 90mg/kg (clay
modelling); 90mg/kg (other toy
materials)

There are also some draft standards under development involving the restrictions on the use
of Lead in PVC products.

China Industry Standards System

Prefix Code Industry Sector Issuing Authority/Agency
GB, GB/T, GB/Z National Standards Standardization Administration of the PRC
CJ, DJ/T, CJT Urban Construction Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural
Development of PRC
HG, HG/T, HGT Chemical Industry Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of PRC
JB, JB/T, JBT Machinery Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of PRC
LY, LY/T, LYT Forestry National Forestry and Grassland
Administration
QB, QB/T, QBT Light Industry Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of PRC
SJ, SJ/T, SJT Electronics Ministry of Industry and Information
Technology of PRC
SN, SN/T, SNT Commodity Inspection General Administration of Quality
Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of
PRC
YY, YY/T, YYT Medicine & Medical China Food and Drug Administration
Device
Note:

GB standards are the China national standards, also called as “Guobiao Standards”, China GB
standards are classified as two stages, Mandatory or Recommended. Mandatory standards have
the force of law as do other technical regulations in China. They are enforced by laws and
administrative regulations and concern the protection of human health, personal property and
safety. All standards that fall outside of these characteristics are considered Recommended
standards.

The Prefix Codes without T are Mandatory standards, Prefix Codes with T are Recommended
standards (Quasi-Mandatory standards).

31
Appendix 3: China National Standards and Industry Standards Restricting the Use of Toxic Phthalates
Plasticizers.

Standard No. Name of Standards and Regulations Restrictions

Toys and Children’s Products
GB 6675.1-2014 Toy Safety Part 1: Basic Code The use of six plasticizers (DBP, BBP,
DEHP, DNOP, DINP, and DIDP) in
plastic toys or toy components
must not exceed 0.1% of the
material composition.
GB 24613-2009 Limit of harmful substances of coating The use of six plasticizers (DBP, BBP,
for toys DEHP, DNOP, DINP, and DIDP) in
coating for plastic toys must not
exceed 0.1% of the material
composition.
GB/T 22048-2015 Determination of certain phthalate
esters in toys and children’s products
Food Contact
GB 9685-2016 National food safety standard Standard for the use of additives in
Food Contact Materials sets out a
Using Standard of Food Contact positive list of additives that can be
Materials and Articles Additives used to produce various food
contact materials and articles
including their use, scope and
restrictions.
GB 5009-271-2016 National food safety standard -
Determination of phthalates in food
GB 31604.30-2015 National food safety standard for food
contact materials and articles.
Determination of phthalate esters and
migration amount of phthalate esters
Medical Devices
GB 14232.1-2004 Plastics collapsible containers for human Alcohol extract ≤ 15 mg / 100 ml
blood and blood components Part1:
Conventional containers
GB 15593-1995 Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Alcohol extract (DEHP) shall be
compounds for transfusion (infusion) processed according to GB /
equipment T14232, MF model：Alcohol extract
≤ 10 mg / 100 ml
GB 24786-2009 Single-use medical PVC examination The packing should indicate the
gloves following:” the product contains
plasticizers that may be harmful to
users (the nature of the plasticizer
should be disclosed)
YY/T 0927-2014 Guidance of determination for di (2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) released
from PVC medical devices

32
YY/T 0926-2014 Quantitative analysis of DEHP in PVC
medical devices.
SN/T 0323.3-2007 Rules for the inspection of imported and Alcohol extract≤15mg/100ml
exported medical equipment. Part 3:
Plastics collapsible containers for human
blood. Blood components conventional
containers
SN/T 1779-2006 Determination of phthalate plasticizers
in plastic bags for human blood and
blood components. Gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry
method
Other
GB 28481-2012 Limit of harmful substances in plastic DEHP, DBP, BBP, DNOP, DINP, DIDP
furniture
≤0.1%
GB 30982-2014 Limit of harmful substances in Phthalate esters exceed 2% of the
architectural wall coatings total mass, please indicate the
type, name and number of
additives on the outer packaging
GB 3838-2002 Environmental quality standards for DEHP≤0.008mg/L, DBP≤
surface water
0.003mg/L
GB 5749-2006 Standards for drinking water quality DEHP≤0.008mg/L, DBP≤
0.003mg/L, DEP≤0.3mg/L
GB/T 33284-2016 Indoor decorating and refurbishing DEHP≤1000mg/kg
materials – Limit of harmful substances
of unplasticized (PVC-U) profiles in
doors and windows
GB/T 28489-2012 Limits of hazardous substances in DEHP+DBP+BBP≤0.1%
musical instruments
DINP+DIDP+DNOP≤0.1%
GB/T 20388-2016 Textiles—Determination of the
phthalate content—Tetrahydrofuran
method
GB/T 24168-2009 Determination of the content of
phthalate in textile dyeing and finishing
auxiliaries
GB/T 29608-2013 Rubber product - Determination of
phthalate acid esters
GB/T 29786-2013 Determination of phthalates in electrical
and electronic equipment - Gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry
GB/T 30646-2014 Determination of phthalate plasticizers
content in coatings - Gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry
method
GB/T 32440-2015 Footwear - Critical substances
potentially present in footwear and
footwear components -Determination
of phthalates in footwear materials
GB/T 35772-2017 Rapid detection of phthalate esters in
polyvinyl chloride products - Infrared
spectrometric method
GB/T 28599-2012 Determination of phthalate esters in
cosmetics

33
 GB/T 35923-2018 Optical functional film - Cellulose
triacetate (TAC) film -Determination of
plasticizer content
GB/T 35104-2017 Determination of plasticizers (phthalic
acid esters) in fertilizer - Gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry
(GC-MS)
GB/T 34715-2017 Thermoplastic elastomer -
Determination of phthalates -Gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry
GB/T 39110-2020 Consumer product - Plastics -Rapid
screening of phthalates
GB/T 39234-2020 Determination of phthalate esters in soil
- Gas chromatography-mass
spectrometry (GC-MS)
GB/T 28599-2020 Determination of phthalate esters in
cosmetics

There are a number of standards under development involving restrictions on the use of
phthalates plasticizers.

China Industry Standards System

Prefix Code Industry Sector Issuing Authority/Agency

GB, GB/T, GB/Z National Standards Standardization Administration of
the PRC
SN, SN/T, SNT Commodity Inspection General Administration of Quality
Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine of PRC
YY, YY/T, YYT Medicine & Medical Device China Food and Drug
Administration
Note:

GB standards are the China national standards also called “Guobiao Standards”. China GB standards
are classified in two steps: Mandatory or Recommended. Mandatory standards have the force of
law as do other technical regulations in China. They are enforced by laws and administrative
regulations and concern the protection of human health, personal property and safety. All
standards that fall outside of these characteristics are considered Recommended standards.

The Prefix Codes without T are Mandatory standards, Prefix Codes with T are Recommended
standards (Quasi-Mandatory standards)

34