EU Scrap Rules Threaten India’s Recycling Trade
Dhawal Shah, a metal recycler from India, expressed concern over the potential impact of stricter EU export rules on the scrap trade between Europe and India. Speaking at the BIR world recycling convention in Malaga, Spain, he highlighted India’s efforts to manage imported scrap effectively.
With 30 years of experience in the international scrap trade, Shah noted that India has invested significantly in modern recycling infrastructure. It has also provided detailed information to European authorities about its regulatory framework. However, he questioned the EU’s assessment of India’s recycling capabilities.
Shah mentioned a series of communications between European authorities and the Indian government, starting in 2024 and continuing through 2025 and April 2026. He found some questions, such as those about litter associated with imported metal waste and landfill sizes in India, particularly surprising. “Today, this is our raw material. It’s high value. People don’t litter that on the streets, just to throw it away,” he said.
Despite India’s efforts, the draft assessment concluded that the country had not adequately demonstrated its ability to manage imported waste. Shah also questioned why other countries, like Moldova and Ukraine, seemed to have an easier time receiving European shipments. “We are not better, we are perhaps as good as anybody else,” he said, citing India’s advanced metal recycling facilities.
India processes around 12 million tonnes of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap annually, with 18% coming from Europe. Shah warned that restrictions could disrupt supply chains, especially as India and the EU work towards a free trade agreement. While he welcomed opportunities for European companies to supply semi-finished products, the approach to scrap felt unfair.
