SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in its updated handbook on procedures has made it mandatory for all exporters to record a video of their scrap shipments to India. The new procedure, implemented with effect from April 1st, will cover various shipments including iron, steel, copper, brass, nickel, aluminum, zinc, tin and magnesium scrap.

 

According to the new guidelines, the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA) in the source country is required to make a video of duration between 3 to 5 minutes covering the inspection process carried out at containers.

 

The video can be created using any of mp3/mp4/flv/wav formats. It should include details such as date and time of inspection, name and identity number of inspecting officer, container details, the registration number details of the carriage on which the container is loaded and photograph of exporter and representative of importer. The video must capture the activity of stuffing on container and sealing of the same. It should also cover the process of signing of the PSIA certificate by the authorized person.

 

Meantime, Metal Recycling Association of India (MRAI) held talks with DGFT officials on the new regulation. According to them, submission of video recording does not look practical. It poses difficulties not only to exporters, but also to Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) inspectors. The recycling association is scheduled to conduct another round of talks with DGFT officials on the matter.

 

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries Inc. (ISRI) noted that the new regulation is likely to hinder scrap shipments from overseas ports to India. Meantime, it has notified all its members of the new Indian policy.