Abstract: The imported waste management directory is a basic system of imported waste management in China. The development process of the directory was sorted out, and the formulation principles, the range of application and the differential management system based on environmental pollution risks were introduced. Meanwhile, the problems of exsiting imported waste management directory were dicussed, including congenital deficiency of the directory design and lack of rigorous procedure and methods for dynamic adjustment. It was suggested that relevant departments determine as soon as possible the procedures and principles for imported waste directory adjustment and explore new waste directory management modes.