Government Prohibits Export of Unsorted Lithium-Ion Battery Waste and Scrap

NEW DELHI — The Indian government has banned the export of unsorted waste and scrap of primary cells, batteries, and electric accumulators that do not contain lead, cadmium, or mercury, with immediate effect.

According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the export policy for waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators—including spent primary cells, spent primary batteries, and spent electric accumulators that are unsorted and free of lead, cadmium, or mercury, commonly referred to as Lithium-ion Battery Black Mass—has been revised.

The policy status for these materials has been shifted from 'Free' to 'Prohibited' until further orders.

The regulatory change impacts the handling and movement of lithium-ion battery waste and scrap materials originating from primary cells and electric accumulators. The restriction remains in force indefinitely as per the official directive issued on Tuesday.

"This regulatory update by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade marks a significant shift for the management of lithium-ion battery waste and scrap in the country. By moving the export policy for unsorted battery waste and black mass from 'Free' to 'Prohibited', the government is tightening oversight on critical material flows. Businesses operating in the recycling, waste management, and cleantech sectors will need to closely review their operational and supply chain strategies to align with these immediate trade restrictions." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes