Compliance Guidelines for Discharge of Water Pollutants from Ships in Chinese Coastal Waters

This newsletter provides a simplified summary of the latest guidelines (PNI[2025]05) regarding the discharge of water pollutants from ships operating in Chinese coastal waters. 

Overview

China has updated its regulations to control how ships discharge water pollutants in coastal areas. These rules are stricter than international standards and aim to protect the marine environment.

Key Discharge Rules

- Ships must treat oily wastewater and sewage before discharge, or use reception facilities.
- Specific rules apply depending on ship type, size, and construction date.
- Discharge of food waste, garbage, and other substances is restricted based on distance from land.
- Ballast water must meet treatment standards and be approved before discharge.
- Grey water is not strictly regulated, but good practices are recommended.

Special Areas

In the Bohai Sea, discharge is mostly prohibited except for treated sewage and oily wastewater. Ships must follow stricter rules due to its status as an internal sea of China.

Unclear Territorial Boundaries

In areas where China's territorial sea baseline is not defined, ships should take extra care. Recommended actions include using reception facilities, storing waste onboard, or referring to emission control areas.

Recommendations

Ship operators are advised to:
- Use reception facilities whenever possible.
- Store waste onboard until reaching compliant areas.
- Keep detailed records of discharge activities.
- Consult local authorities for guidance.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, contact Huatai Beijing at [e-mail] or reach out to local branch offices.