Indian Trade Ministry allows self-certification of imported scrap

By  Paul Ploumis 09 Jul 2015  Last updated at  02:45:48 GMT

 NEW DELHI (Scrap Monster): The Indian Trade Ministry has announced fresh set of guidelines regarding scrap imports into the country, allowing self-certification of processed goods by some recyclers. The new provisions were announced by the country’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Meantime, Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has welcomed the move.

According to DGFT, the importer has to submit a self-declaration cum legal undertaking certifying that the shipment consists only of processed metallic scrap. The declaration must specify that the consignment is free of explosive or radioactive material. Also, the exporter shall be responsible for re-export, at own risk and cost, of contaminated material, if detected.

In addition, the importer of such consignment is required to furnish bank guarantee of INR 10 lakhs to Customs Department as security amount. All scrap consignments must have to pass through scanner/radiological detection equipment installed at the ports before customs clearance.

The processed metallic scrap under the classification could include shredded, cut sheared and rotor sheared; briquetted, baled and bundled; turnings, borings, granules and nodules.

As per the initial scrap import policy announced by Indian authorities in April this year, the Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA) in the source country was required to make a video of duration between 3 to 5 minutes covering the inspection process carried out at containers. However, May 18 notice had stated that photos would be acceptable as an alternative.

The Metal Recycling Association of India (MRAI) had requested the country’s Trade Ministry to allow self-certification of quality and safety of consignment by some recyclers. In addition the Association had also requested for exemption of shredded scrap from inspection certification requirement.