The Basel Convention's 2019 plastic waste amendments restrict transboundary movement of mixed or contaminated plastic scrap between signatory countries. While the US has not ratified the Basel Convention, exporting countries that have may require prior informed consent documentation or restrict export of non-hazardous plastic waste to non-parties. Importers should confirm that the exporting country's regulations permit shipment and that the material meets the cleanliness and sorting standards required for the intended recycling application.

Melt-flow index (MFI), contamination level (non-PE content by weight), color consistency, and moisture content are the primary quality determinants. Clean, single-polymer HDPE natural scrap commands the highest premiums and is suitable for food-contact recycled resin production, while mixed-color or contaminated material is directed to lower-value applications such as pipe, lumber composites, or agricultural film. Buyers typically specify these parameters in purchase contracts and may require third-party testing certificates.