DGFT bans export of lithium-ion battery black mass to boost domestic critical mineral recovery

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery black mass under ITC(HS) Code 85491400 with immediate effect. The restriction, notified on 10 November 2026, aims to retain battery waste within India, improve feedstock availability for domestic recyclers and increase the recovery of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce, has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery black mass through Notification No. 49/2026-27, dated 10 November 2026.

Under the notification, the export policy for the material covered by ITC(HS) Code 85491400 has been changed from ‘Free’ to ‘Prohibited’ with immediate effect and until further orders. The transitional arrangements under Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, will apply.

The specified ITC(HS) code covers waste and scrap of primary cells, primary batteries and electric accumulators, including spent cells and batteries that are unsorted and do not contain lead, cadmium or mercury. The notification specifically identifies lithium-ion battery black mass under this classification.

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