India is contemplating allowing import of lead and tyre scrap. Indian recyclers have been requesting the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to approve imports to ramp-up production and expand their industrial base. The ministry has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and an expert committee to make recommendations in this regards.
Industry bodies spearheaded by the Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) have made various presentation to the government to allow import of lead and tyre scrap which is a sustainable and self-reliant means of sourcing raw material for the metal and rubber end-users
Major recyclers including Gravita, Pony Oxides and Pilot Industries have applied for approval for importing lead scrap. The CPCB and expert committed have recommended permissions for import of 750mt to 40,000mt depending on the applicant company’s plant location, capacity, installed equipment, power load, and quantity of material processed and consumed in the prior fiscal. Most recyclers are seeking permissions for import of lead scrap under ISRI code Rents, Rakes, Radio, Ropes, Relays, Rails, Racks and Rains with not more than 2pc liquid or electrolyte by weight.
Imported tyre scrap
Authorities have recommended imports of 2,000 to 26,000mt of of used tyres scrap or tube scrap for the production of reclaimed rubber or crumb rubber. One of the recyclers sought imports of scrap nitrile rubber used in production of sound proofing foam.