DGFT Prohibits Export of Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass

DGFT Prohibits Export of Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass with Immediate Effect

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through Notification No. 49/2026-27 dated 10 November 2026, has revised the export policy applicable to waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, commonly referred to as Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass, falling under ITC (HS) Code 85491400.

Under the revised provisions, the export classification of the specified goods has been changed from ‘Free’ to ‘Prohibited’.

The amendment has been issued by the Central Government under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with the relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.

Key Changes in Export Policy

The revised export policy applies to the following category of goods:

• Waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators.
• Spent primary cells, spent primary batteries and spent electric accumulators.
• Unsorted materials that do not contain lead, cadmium or mercury.

The policy amendment is summarised below:

Effective Date and Transitional Provisions

The revised restriction has come into force immediately from the date of issuance of the notification. The transitional arrangements prescribed under Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 will govern its implementation.

Impact of the Notification: With this amendment, the export of specified unsorted waste and scrap of primary cells, batteries and electric accumulators under ITC (HS) Code 85491400 has been prohibited until further orders.

Exporters and businesses dealing in lithium-ion battery black mass should take note of the revised export restrictions and ensure compliance with the amended Foreign Trade Policy.

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