DGFT moved lithium-ion battery black mass exports from free to prohibited to retain critical mineral feedstock in India.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, has prohibited the export of Lithium-Ion Battery Black Mass falling under ITC(HS) Code 85491400. Vide Notification No. 49/2026-27 dated November 10, 2026, the export policy of the item has been amended from “Free” to “Prohibited” with immediate effect and until further orders. The transitional arrangements under Para 1.05 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 will apply.
Black Mass is the powdery material obtained from shredding end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing waste. It contains recoverable quantities of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. India’s capacity to recycle battery waste and refine critical minerals has grown considerably but is not being fully utilised because of inadequate feedstock availability.
The prohibition aims to ensure that Black Mass generated in India is recycled and refined within the country. It is expected to assure feedstock for domestic recycling and refining units, improve capacity utilisation, encourage investment and employment while reducing import dependence. The measure complements the National Critical Mineral Mission, including the ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2025 to develop recycling capacity for critical minerals from secondary sources such as battery waste and e-waste.
Source: Press Information Bureau
