MOEFCC Policy for Import of Lithium Scrap in India
MOEFCC Policy for Import of Lithium Scrap in India
India regulates the import of lithium scrap, lithium-ion battery scrap, black mass, and spent lithium batteries under a strict environmental compliance framework administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The policy aims to promote sustainable recycling, critical mineral recovery, and circular economy practices while preventing environmental hazards.
Regulatory Framework
Governing Lithium Scrap Imports
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
- Basel Convention obligations relating to transboundary movement of hazardous waste
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
- Relevant guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
Import of Lithium Scrap Allowed Only for Recycling and Recovery
India does not allow the import of hazardous waste for dumping or final disposal. Imports of lithium scrap are permitted only for environmentally compliant activities such as:- Lithium-ion battery recycling
- Recovery of lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and other valuable metals
- Resource extraction and refining
- Reuse and refurbishment
- Co-processing in authorized facilities
Only authorized recycling and recovery operations are permitted to import lithium battery waste into India.
MoEFCC Authorization Requirement for Lithium Battery Scrap Import
Lithium battery scrap and black mass are generally classified as hazardous waste and require multiple regulatory approvals before import.
- NOC from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Consent to Operate (CTO), Consent to Establish (CTE) and Authorisation from the relevant State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
- Restricted Import Licence under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) framework
- Authorization as an “Actual User” recycler or processor
Only government-authorized recyclers and processing units are eligible to import lithium scrap into India.
Documentation Required for Import of Lithium Scrap
Importers of lithium-ion battery scrap and black mass generally need the following documents and compliance approvals:- Form 5.
- Justification for import.
- Consent to Operate.
- Authorization.
- Chemical analysis report of the waste to be imported from laboratory accredited or recognized by the exporting country.
- Process flow chart.
- Photographs & Video CD of running plants.
- Acknowledgement of application from State Pollution Control Board.
- Document depicting the status of employment generation indicating the no. of people benefited.
- CA Certificate
These documents help ensure safe transportation, traceability, and environmentally sound recycling practices.
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022 – Key Compliance Requirements
Key provisions include:- Mandatory EPR registration for producers and importers
- Channelization of waste batteries only through authorized recyclers
- Minimum recycling and recovery efficiency targets
- Environmental reporting and digital tracking obligations
- Safe storage, transportation, dismantling, and recycling standards
The rules are designed to strengthen India’s battery recycling ecosystem and support sustainable recovery of critical minerals used in electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and electronics manufacturing.
Importance of Lithium Scrap Recycling in India
India is rapidly expanding its electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, increasing demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, and battery raw materials. Importing lithium battery scrap for recycling helps:- Mandatory EPR registration for producers and importers
- Channelization of waste batteries only through authorized recyclers
- Minimum recycling and recovery efficiency targets
- Environmental reporting and digital tracking obligations
- Safe storage, transportation, dismantling, and recycling standards
The rules are designed to strengthen India’s battery recycling ecosystem and support sustainable recovery of critical minerals used in electric vehicles (EVs), energy storage systems, and electronics manufacturing.