Govt bans export of lithium-ion battery black mass with immediate effect

The Centre has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery black mass, tightening restrictions on the overseas shipment of waste and scrap generated from primary cells, batteries, and electric accumulators. The prohibition comes into effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders. 

In a notification dated November 10, 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amended the export policy for the relevant category of waste and scrap classified under ITC (HS) code 85491400. 

The notification changes the export policy from 'Free' to 'Prohibited' for unsorted waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, including spent primary cells, spent primary batteries, and spent electric accumulators that do not contain lead, cadmium or mercury. 

The amendment has been made under Chapter 85 of Schedule II of the Export Policy, in accordance with the powers conferred under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, and the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. 

Transitional provisions to apply 

The DGFT notification, signed by Director General of Foreign Trade Lav Agarwal, states that the revised export policy will take effect immediately. However, the transitional arrangement provisions under Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, will remain applicable. 

The notification specifically covers unsorted waste and scrap falling under the specified classification and does not spell out any broader restrictions on all categories of lithium-ion battery waste or recycled battery materials. 

What the notification says?

The key change is the reclassification of exports under ITC (HS) code 85491400 from the 'Free' category to the 'Prohibited' category. 

The notification covers waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries, and electric accumulators, including spent batteries and electric accumulators, provided they are unsorted and do not contain lead, cadmium or mercury. The revised restriction will remain in place until further orders.

India's export ban on battery black mass aims to ensure the valuable secondary resource is recycled and refined domestically, boosting feedstock availability for local recyclers. The move is expected to improve capacity utilisation, attract investment and generate employment while increasing the recovery of lithium, cobalt, and nickel. It will also reduce import dependence and foreign exchange outgo, strengthen supply chains for electric vehicles, batteries, and clean energy, and promote a circular economy through urban mining and environmentally sound recycling.