• India has requested the European Union (EU) to ease proposed restrictions on metal scrap exports, citing concerns over supply shortages and higher production costs.
• From May 2027, the EU plans to restrict exports of non-hazardous metal scrap to non-OECD countries unless approved under its revised waste shipment rules.
• The European Commission is also considering additional limits on aluminium scrap exports.
• Indian steel and aluminium manufacturers warn that reduced scrap availability could increase raw material costs and impact production.
• The issue comes despite the recently concluded India-EU trade agreement, which is expected to take effect next year.
• India has formally applied to retain access to recyclable metal scrap under the new EU regulations.
• Officials are exploring alternatives such as export quotas instead of a complete export ban.
• India imported around 366,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap from the EU in 2025, making it one of the largest buyers.
• Industry bodies caution that rising global "resource nationalism" could disrupt recycled metal supplies and intensify competition among importing countries.
• Securing continued access to quality scrap is considered vital for India's steel, aluminium, and engineering industries, as well as its sustainability and recycling goals.