Kyrgyzstan extends ban on exporting used catalytic converters for six months

Kyrgyzstan's government has extended a ban on exporting used automotive catalytic converters and the valuable metals they contain for another six months. The decision, signed by Cabinet of Ministers head Adylbek Kasymaliev, targets used converters, metal-containing waste, and parts like mufflers.

The restriction aims to combat the increasing theft of catalytic converters, which contain precious metals such as palladium, rhodium, and platinum. Authorities also cite environmental concerns as a reason for the continued ban.

This measure, first implemented in August 2021, has been extended multiple times. The government has instructed the Ministry of Economy and Commerce to notify the World Trade Organization and the Eurasian Economic Commission, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will inform the CIS Executive Committee. Customs, tax, and border services are tasked with preventing illegal exports.

The ban will take effect seven days after the new resolution is published. The current prohibition was set to expire, but the Cabinet has opted to maintain the restriction for an additional half-year.