Shanghai cracks down on suspected smuggled waste

Shanghai customs is stepping up its crackdown on the importation of suspected smuggled solid waste material, but concedes locating the offending companies can be difficult.

"In some cases, the exporting enterprises went bankrupt, making it hard to locate the recipients overseas," said Han Dejun, head of material inspection at the outer port of Shanghai customs.

"In other cases, the shipping companies have closed down or exited the Chinese market, making it difficult to return the foreign waste."