EU Proposes Barring India From Importing Its Metal Scrap Under 2027 Waste Rules

The European Commission has proposed rules that would prevent India from importing metal waste, including aluminium scrap, from the European Union once the bloc's Waste Shipment Regulation takes effect in May 2027.

The proposal, published on Friday, sets out which non-OECD countries would be exempt from the regulation. A public consultation on the exemptions list is open until October 16.

According to the Commission, 32 non-OECD countries have applied for exemptions covering non-hazardous waste categories such as paper, plastics, rubber, metal and glass. Exemptions are granted only where applicants can show the waste will be treated in an environmentally sound manner.

Metal waste is subject to stricter assessment. The Commission said it carries a higher hazard profile because of the possible presence of persistent and toxic heavy metals.

The exemptions list, known as a delegated act, will be reviewed regularly — at least once every two years — and countries will be able to reapply.

The proposal follows the Commission's decision earlier this month to abandon a plan for a 15% export duty on aluminium scrap. That plan had drawn pressure from India, the largest buyer, and disagreements among EU officials diluted the trade measure by exempting India, sharply reducing its reach.

The Commission has argued that the same objective can be met through the bloc's waste shipment rules rather than through trade measures. Industry group European Aluminium remains unconvinced, having seen the export duty as essential to retaining more of the low-cost raw material within Europe for its struggling smelters.