China Blacklists 141 Seriously Polluting Products        

On February 26th, 2008 the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) blacklisted 141 products for causing serious pollution or posing serious environmental risks.
    "This move is urgently needed to safeguard people's health, curb environmental pollution and fulfill China's commitment to the international community," said Pan Yue, Deputy Director of SEPA.
    SEPA suggested eliminating the export rebate of 39 of the listed products and banning the processing trade of these products.
    Experts estimated the treatment cost over the pollution caused by the blacklisted products accounted for 10% - 30% of their production costs. Pollution caused by some of the products was difficult to control.
    Most of the legal documents within the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s framework demonstrated that all countries have the right to take necessary measures to restrict international trade in view to protect life or the health of human beings, animal and plants.
    "The blacklisting will help boost a "green trading" system that is fully adaptable to the rules of WTO," said Pan.
    The products were selected through a discussion of experts and relevant trade unions, according to Pan.
    SEPA will set up a data base of such products and deliver regular public reports.