Govt bans export of unsorted battery waste, scrap

Export Ban on Battery Waste Scrap

The Centre has prohibited the export of unsorted waste and scrap derived from specified batteries. The restriction covers primary cells, batteries and electric accumulators that do not contain hazardous substances. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issued a notification giving effect to the change, which operates with immediate effect. Until now, shipments in this category were treated as 'Free' under the export classification; they now fall under the 'Prohibited' category.

What Changed

The shift is essentially a reclassification of the export policy for these goods. Where an exporter earlier needed no specific authorisation because the item was listed as free, the prohibited tag removes that route altogether. The notification does not introduce a licensing window or a transitional arrangement on the face of the facts available. The immediate effect means consignments that would have moved under the earlier free entry can no longer be exported in the ordinary course.

Why It Matters for Business

For traders, recyclers and manufacturers handling battery scrap, the change touches shipping schedules, contracts and customs documentation. Exporters with open orders or letters of credit covering these goods face the prospect of shipments not being cleared. Compliance teams will need to verify whether a given consignment falls within the description of unsorted waste and scrap of the specified cells, batteries and accumulators, and whether the hazardous substances exclusion applies. Customs classification and declaration entries made under the earlier free code may need review. The reclassification also affects internal controls, since an item moving from free to prohibited is a change in the legal basis for export rather than a procedural tweak.

What to Watch

Readers should track the exact wording of the DGFT notification, including the specific tariff lines and product descriptions it covers, since the scope determines which…