Archive · 18 Sep 2026
EU Proposal Would Bar India From Importing Metal Scrap
The European Union wants to change how waste is sent to countries outside the OECD.
Under the proposed rules, India could be stopped from receiving EU metal waste, including aluminium scrap, starting in May 2027.
Some countries can ask for permission to keep importing certain kinds of waste.
They must prove that they can handle the waste safely.
Metal waste is checked more carefully because it may contain dangerous heavy metals.
The European Commission says waste rules can achieve the same goal as an export tax.
European Aluminium disagrees and says an export duty would help keep cheap materials in Europe.
The Commission is asking people and organizations to comment on the proposed exemptions until October 16.
India would be among non-OECD countries barred from importing EU metal waste, including aluminium scrap, under rules taking effect in May 2027.
The European Commission opened a public consultation on exemptions until October 16 after publishing its proposed list.
Thirty-two non-OECD countries applied for exemptions covering non-hazardous waste such as paper, plastics, rubber, metal and glass.
Applicants must show that waste will be treated in an environmentally sound manner, with metal waste facing stricter scrutiny because of possible toxic heavy metals.
The Commission abandoned a proposed 15% aluminium scrap export duty after pressure from India, while European Aluminium said the duty was important for EU smelters.
- Who
- The European Commission, India, European Aluminium, and 32 non-OECD countries that applied for exemptions.
- What
- The European Commission proposed exemptions under rules that would bar India and other non-OECD countries from importing certain EU waste, including metal scrap.
- When
- The Waste Shipment Regulation is due to take effect in May 2027; the consultation remains open until October 16.
- Where
- The rules concern waste shipped from the European Union to non-OECD countries, including India.
- Why
- The Commission says waste shipments must be handled in an environmentally sound manner, and that metal waste requires stricter scrutiny because it may contain persistent and toxic heavy metals.
European Commission
European Aluminium
How to limit scrap exports
European Commission
The Commission says the objective of managing EU waste exports can be achieved through waste shipment rules rather than trade measures such as an export duty.
European Aluminium
European Aluminium viewed the proposed export duty as crucial to keeping more low-cost aluminium scrap within Europe.
Policy impact
European Commission
The Commission’s approach uses exemptions and environmental-safety requirements, with the list updated regularly and countries able to reapply.
European Aluminium
European Aluminium remains unconvinced after the export-duty plan was abandoned, saying the duty was important for struggling European smelters.
- Affected country
- India is among the countries that would be barred from importing EU metal waste, including aluminium scrap.
- Effective date
- May 2027
- Consultation deadline
- October 16
- Applicants
- 32 non-OECD countries applied for exemptions.
- Eligible waste categories
- Paper, plastics, rubber, metal and glass, among other non-hazardous waste categories.
- Exemption condition
- Applicants must demonstrate that waste will be treated in an environmentally sound manner.
- Export-duty proposal
- The European Commission abandoned a proposed 15% duty on aluminium scrap after pressure from India.