Pakistan bans imports of used cooking oil and lubricants

Pakistan has issued an import ban on used cooking oil and all types of used petroleum products. Used cooking oil is being imported supposedly for use in soap manufacturing. However, it is not fit for human consumption. According to government documents, some importers were also importing used lubricant, hydraulic and transformer oil and repacking them after some processing. These products were being sold at lower costs in the market. It was recommended that only industrial manufacturers who receive a “no-objection” certificate from the Environment Ministry be allowed to import used petroleum products. (July 20, 2011)