India Bans Export of Recycled Lithium-Ion Battery Material
India has banned the export of lithium-ion battery black mass, a recycled material containing valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. The government has changed its export classification from “free” to “prohibited” with immediate effect, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The move prevents Indian recyclers from exporting this material and encourages domestic processing of critical battery resources.
The export restriction applies to lithium-ion battery black mass and associated unsorted battery waste that does not contain lead, cadmium or mercury. The decision comes days after the Indian Cabinet approved an incentive package worth ₹28.14 billion ($300.2 million) to promote domestic processing of lithium and nickel. The initiative aims to strengthen local supply chains and reduce India’s dependence on international suppliers, particularly China.
India is among the world’s fastest-growing electric vehicle markets, with the government focusing on expanding local battery manufacturing and recycling capabilities. The country aims to achieve 30% electric vehicle penetration in new car sales and 80% in new two- and three-wheeler sales by 2030. The latest export ban is expected to support these ambitions by encouraging the recovery and domestic utilisation of essential battery materials.
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