Home / Business and Economy / India Weighs Scrap Import Rules Amid Recycler Push
India Weighs Scrap Import Rules Amid Recycler Push
30 Sep
Summary
- India is considering changes to scrap import rules concerning overseas certification.
- Recyclers advocate for domestic inspection at Indian ports over current methods.
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has not yet decided on discontinuing pre-shipment inspections.
India is deliberating a significant shift in its regulations for importing recyclable metal scrap, potentially moving away from mandatory overseas certification.
A prominent recyclers' association has formally requested the government to implement domestic inspections at Indian ports. This proposal stems from concerns that there are insufficient authorized inspection agencies available globally to conduct pre-shipment checks effectively.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has clarified that no definitive decision has been reached regarding the discontinuation of pre-shipment inspection requirements. The ministry is actively considering the recyclers' representation while also acknowledging the distinct functions of pre-shipment and destination port screening.
Currently, India imports approximately 13 million metric tons of recyclable metal scrap annually from over 160 countries. The trade body highlighted that pre-shipment inspection acts as a crucial safeguard against hazardous materials, while domestic checks at ports are also seen as essential to prevent risks.
The recyclers' body is also working to expand the list of recognized pre-shipment inspection agencies and identify countries whose consignments might be exempt from inspection.
