Kyrgyzstan has once again banned the export of catalytic converters. The ban has been extended for a further six months

In Kyrgyzstan, the export of used car catalytic converters and the precious metals they contain will be banned for a further six months. The relevant decree was signed by the Prime Minister, Adylbek Kasymaliev, on 24 August.

The restriction applies not only to the catalytic converters themselves, but also to products obtained from their recycling. The ban covers:

• used catalytic converters;
• slag, ash and residues from spent catalytic converters containing metals;
• waste and scrap of palladium, rhodium and platinum extracted from catalytic converters;
• silencers, exhaust pipes and parts thereof, if they contain catalytic converters.

Thus, the restriction applies both to individual vehicle parts and to raw materials for the extraction of precious metals. However, the decree specifically prohibits the export of such products outside Kyrgyzstan, rather than their storage or circulation within the country.

Compliance with the ban will be monitored by the customs, tax and border services. The Ministry of Economy has been instructed to notify the World Trade Organisation and the Eurasian Economic Commission of the decision, whilst the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to notify the CIS Executive Committee.