DGFT Issues Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Random Checking of Metal Scrap Consignments Radioactive Contamination

·         Barrier will hurt steel industry which depends upon scrap raw material

·         Virgin Steel from Iron Ore is more energy consuming, bad for environment

[DGFT Public Notice No.37/2015-2020 dated 15 November 2021]

Subject: Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for random checking of imported consignments of metal scrap with respect to radioactive contamination.

In exercise of powers conferred under paragraph 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (2015-2020), the Director General of Foreign Trade hereby notifies the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for random checking of imported consignments of metal scrap with respect to radioactive contamination as enclosed in the Annexure to this Public Notice.

2.  This shall come into force with immediate effect.

3. Effect of Public Notice: The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for random checking of imported consignments of metal scrap with respect to radioactive contamination is notified.

[F.No.01/89/180/Misc.65/AM-05/ PC-2(B)/e-2084]

Annexure

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOP) FOR RANDOM CHECKING OF IMPORTED CONSIGNMENTS OF METAL SCRAP WITH RESPECT TO RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION IDGFT Public Notice No. 37/2015-20 dated 15 November, 2021]

The SOP for random checking of imported consignments of metal scrap with respect to radioactive contamination shall be as under:

1.    No container without a certificate issued by a Pre-Shipment Inspection Agency (PSIA), should be allowed to be unloaded and be sent back to country of origin subject to provisions contained in Public Notice No.23 dated 30th June, 2015.

2.    Check the origin of the scrap and associated Certificate issued by the PSIA. The authenticity of PSIA should be verified from the list given in Appendix - 2G (https://content.dgft.gov.in/WebsiteiAPPEnDIX-2G.pdf), as amended from time to time, in Appendices and Aayat / Niryat Forms of FTP 2015-20.

3.    The container(s) may be available / present on board, in port premises, at Container Freight Station (CFS) or at Inland Container Depot (ICD).

4.    As a part of normal work practice of Indian Customs, various activities like checking of the seal, serial number of the container, material description etc, as list in the manifest should be carried out.

5.    If the conditions mentioned at Para 2 above, are found to be satisfactory, check for copy of agreement between importer (purchaser) and exporter (from foreign country) that the consignment does not contain radioactive material.

6.    Measure the background radiation levels at the location where the container is placed. It should be kept in mind that the background radiation level varies from place to place and it normally ranges from 0.04 μSv/h to 0.1 μSv/h (micro Sievert per hour). However, the background radiation levels at certain regions of the world may be more than 0.1 μSv/h.

7.    Measure the radiation levels on the surface of the container by using the hand held radiation monitor, with a preset alarm level. The preset alarm level should be 0.2 μSv/h above background radiation level at the location of measurement. The measured radiation levels should not exceed the preset alarm level.

8.    Also, verify the measured radiation levels with that mentioned in the certificate issued by PSIA or Self Declaration cum Legal Undertaking (as per DGFT Public Notice No.23/2015-2020 dated 30.06.2015). If the radiation levels are mentioned in an ambiguous manner, then inform DGFT.

9.    In case any container is found showing radiation levels exceeding the preset alarm level, it should be immediately subjected to identification of source of radiation with an Isotope Identifier (a handheld RDE can identify the specific radionuclide emitting the radiation).

10.   If the source of radiation is identified as a Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), the container may be considered as clean, and free to depart the measurement/ monitoring area.

11.   If the source of radiation is identified as a radionuclide other than NORM, it should be immediately intimated to the following for further course of action:

Emergency Control Room, Crisis Management Group

Department of Atomic Energy (CMG - DAE) Mumbai - 400001

Phone: +91-22-22023978 I 22021714, FAX: +91-22-22021714

Mobile: +919969201364

Email: daeecr@dae.gov.in

12. While transmitting the report of monitoring of the container, it must contain the following details:

a.    Date of inspection:

b.    Place of inspection:

c.    Details of radiation survey meter used:

i      Make _________________________

ii     Model _________________________

iii.    Sr. No _________________________

iv.   Last date of calibration ____________

d.    Range of background radiation levels observed at the location of measurement ................... μSv/h to…………………………. μSv/h.

e.    Range of radiation levels observed around the surface of the container:

i.     Around the side walls………………………… μSv/h to............... μSv/h.

ii.    On the top ………………………… μSv/h to ……………. μSv/h.

13.   Once it is found that the radiation levels outside a container exceed the preset alarm level (background radiation level +0.2 μSv/h), the container should be relocated to a less occupied area and cordoned off around the container. The radiation level at the cordon should not be more than 1 μSv/h. "The Custodian of the goods shall ensure that there is a specifically demarcated area for relocation of such containers and necessary arrangements are in place for cordoning off The expenses involved in the relocation and separate storage activity shall be borne by the importer / owner of the goods or their authorized representative, failing which, the person-in-charge of the vessel or any other person as may be specified by the Central Government, by notification in terms of Section 30 of the Customs Act, 1962 shall bear the expenses".

14.   Necessary steps shall be initiated for repatriation / deportation of the container having contaminated metal scrap by "the importer / owner of the goods or their authorized representative, failing which, the person-in-charge of the vessel or any other person as may be specified by the Central Government, by notification in terms of Section 30 of the Customs Act, 1962 shall take action to repatriate / deport such container".