As part of its pre-event engagements, the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, organized by Media Fusion and Crain Communications, hosted a thought-provoking webinar on “Navigating Challenges in the Metals Scrap Trade: Regulations, Compliance, and Global Forces.” The session gathered industry leaders to discuss regulatory hurdles, compliance requirements, and opportunities shaping the non-ferrous metals scrap sector.
Dr. Anupam Agnihotri, Director, JNARDDC, Ministry of Mines, GoI, highlighted that major aluminium players are adopting small modular reactors, digital tools, and green compliance to align with global benchmarks. “By 2030–35, ‘green aluminium’ or zero-emission production will be the global standard, which may widen the competitiveness gap for MSMEs unless they scale capacity and adopt clean technologies,” he noted.
On the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Dr. Agnihotri said the long-term decarbonization challenge will be significant, requiring integration of renewables, hydrogen, and nuclear energy. He stressed that while government provides policies and regulations, industry must step up with innovation, investment, data-sharing, and energy efficiency improvements.
Mr. Sandeep Jain, President, Bombay Metal Exchange Ltd & MD, Laurel Wires, called for a unified industry platform to track scrap flows, promote best practices, and align policies. He stated, “Working in silos weakens our collective impact. Collaboration across the value chain can transform India’s scrap sector into a global leader.” He also emphasized reducing GST on scrap to 5% and suggested introducing a reverse charge mechanism (RCM) to enhance compliance transparency.
On the evolving EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) framework, Mr. Jain said the CPCB will roll out a digital compliance portal for non-ferrous metals like copper and aluminium by April 2026, with mandatory registration beginning 90 days prior.
Mr. Sandeep Vakharia, Hon. Secretary, Bombay Non-Ferrous Metal Association, warned of the EU’s impending 2027 restriction on scrap exports to non-OECD nations. He noted that India risks losing 30–40% of imported scrap unless it can provide detailed national data on consumption, hazardous waste, and disposal practices.
Mr. Jaimin Patel, Assistant Director, NABCB, stressed the importance of standards and accreditation. “By rallying around quality systems and transparent frameworks, we can ease compliance and boost India’s global standing as a trusted recycling hub,” he said.
The panel agreed that regulatory clarity, sustainable practices, and global alignment will be critical in strengthening India’s non-ferrous recycling sector.
This dialogue set the stage for BRS 2025 in November, Mumbai, which will bring together policymakers, businesses, and innovators to drive sustainable growth in India’s recycling ecosystem.
