Lead scrap import license in India

Introduction:

India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. It is also one of the biggest consumers of lead in the world. With the advent of the PM E-Drive mission and the FAME-INDIA EV mission, lead scrap demand is exponentially rising. Lead scrap is used in battery manufacturing, cables, alloys, building, and radiation shielding applications. Businesses involved in the lead business need a valid lead scrap import license in India. With the surge in electric vehicle demand, lead scrap import is booming. 

What is Lead Scrap?

'Lead scrap' is a general term given to lead recovered from lead-containing items. Discarded lead items are collected and recycled for use in new products. Recyclers recover lead from used lead-acid batteries, cables, pipes, sheets, and manufacturing waste. Proper collection and recycling of lead scrap helps recover valuable material while reducing environmental and health risks.

Before importing lead scrap from other nations, recyclers and businesses need to understand the various grades of lead scrap. This helps the importers in India to zero in on the final procurement rate. Businesses involved in lead recycling prefer importing lead scrap rather than using lead extracted from mining, as it is a sustainable process and protects the environment against any pollution or contamination. Using properly recycled lead saves both energy and time. Lead has the highest recycling rate of any metal, and a valid lead scrap import license allows businesses to achieve profitable growth. 

Here is a list of the different grades of Lead Scrap with their respective ISRI (Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes as per the amount of lead content in them: 

Different Grades of Lead Scrap with ISRI Codes

• Soft Lead Scrap (ISRI Code RACKS)

• Mixed Hard/Soft Lead Scrap (ISRI Code RADIO)

• Lead Battery Scrap (ISRI Code RAINS and ISRI Code RINK)

• Lead Wheel Weights Scrap (ISRI Code ROPES)

Key approvals required for Lead Scrap Import license: 

Lead is a hazardous substance, and it becomes a challenge to regulate and monitor the import of lead scrap. Businesses need the approval of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) to import lead scrap to India.

There are strict guidelines laid down by CPCB as the standard operating procedures. These are mandatory regulations, and recyclers/traders/businesses involved in the import of lead scrap need to meet the regulatory requirements for securing the lead scrap import license. 

• Grant of authorisation by concerned SPCB 
• Consent to establish (CTE) granted by SPCB under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 
• Consent to operate (CTO) granted by SPCB under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act 
• Process flowchart
• Detailed list of machinery involved in the recycling plant setup
• Membership of TSDF for final disposal of slag after recycling of lead-bearing waste
• Effluent treatment plant (ETP) details

DGFT and DPIIT are key institutions in controlling the imports of lead scrap, guiding the process of license application. This helps in evaluating and screening the licensing process and brings sustainability as the core principle of lead recycling. 

Why is a Lead Scrap Import license mandatory for recyclers? 

With growing industrialisation and increased need for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the government aims to strike a balance between industrial development and environmental health. This is one of the main reasons for strict regulations for approvals and compliance. Lead has huge environmental risks, and the improper disposal of lead scrap could contaminate the water and soil. This can pose a grave threat to both humans and other species. 

Stringent licensing guidelines guarantee proper disposal of Lead scrap and protect human health and the environment. 

Comprehensive process of Lead Scrap Import license registration and approval:

Here is a step-by-step approach for a business to secure a valid lead scrap import license within the stipulated time frame:

Application registration under DGFT

Applicants are required to submit an import authorisation request for lead scrap materials on the DGFT portal with the following documents:

• IEC Certificate.
• MOA / Partnership Deed / Proof of Proprietorship.
• SPCB Consent and CPCB Registration.
• Chartered Engineer Certificate (plant and machinery details).
• Control of pollution installed.

Application forwarded to DPIIT

After the application submission, DGFT examines it and forwards it to DPIIT. After a comprehensive review and verification of documents, an NOC is generated for the recycling facility.  

Issue of CIF (maximum value and/or quantity of lead scrap material)

After thorough security and verification of documents, MoEFCC issues CIF as per the  Hazardous Substances Management Division (HSMD). The validity of CIF is for a year, and under special compliance conditions, it can be revoked in case of any irregularity or discrepancy. 

Conclusion

A valid Lead scrap import license to the recyclers and importers can pave the way to India's Electic vehicle growth and give momentum to our promise of sustainable development. Imported lead scrap can be used in various manufacturing industries.

EnviroXperts is one reliable E-waste management, approval and compliance consultancy firm assisting businesses/recyclers and importers in complete insights into the regulatory framework and mandatory document requirements for the fast lead scrap import license process. 

Get end-to-end guidance regarding the the lead scrap import license in India and start making your recycling process a profitable foundation.