PSIC Exemption for Metallic Waste and Scrap Imports from Designated Safe Countries

Ψ  Hazira, Kamarajar, and Adani Gangavaram Ports Included

Ψ  Customs Clearance at ICDs: The exemption also applies to clearance for home consumption at an Inland Container Depot (ICD), provided all prescribed conditions are fulfilled at the designated entry sea port and documentary proof of compliance is submitted at the ICD.

Ψ  Trade happy with PSIC to avoid delays in Custom Clearance

DGFT Amends Metallic Waste Import Rules: Adds 3 New Sea Ports and Extends PSIC Exemption to Inland Container Depots

This Public Notice No. 35/2026-27 issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on 21st October, 2026, amends the Pre-shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) requirements for importing metallic waste and scrap under India's Handbook of Procedures, 2023.

Key Updates & Changes

·         Expansion of Eligible Sea Ports: The notice expands the number of designated sea ports where imports from safe countries can bypass the PSIC requirement. The total has increased from 8 to 11 ports.

o    Original Ports: Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla, JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, and Kattupalli.

o    Newly Added Ports: Hazira, Kamarajar, and Adani Gangavaram.

·         Extension to Inland Container Depots (ICDs): The PSIC exemption now explicitly applies to customs clearance for home consumption at either the designated entry sea port or an Inland Container Depot (ICD).

Retained Conditions for PSIC Exemption

To claim the exemption, the following conditions must still be met:

·         Safe Origins Only: The metallic waste or scrap (shredded or unshredded) must originate from designated safe regions: the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU.

·         Safety Certification: Consignments must include a supplier or scrap yard certificate confirming they contain no radioactive materials or explosives.

·         Mandatory Port Checks: All shipments will undergo mandatory radiation and explosive checks via scanners at the entry ports.

·         No Trans-shipments: Goods trans-shipped through these safe regions do not qualify for the exemption.

 

[DGFT Public Notice No. 35/2026-27 dated 21 October, 2026]

Effect of this Public Notice: Para 2.51(d)(v)(iv) of the Handbook of Procedures, 2023 is amended to set out in more precise terms the scope of the PSIC exemption for metallic waste and scrap imported from Safe Countries/Regions, including its applicability to eligible consignments cleared through an Inland Container Depot, subject to the conditions specified.

Subject: Amendment to the provisions relating to PSIC requirements for import of metallic waste and scrap under the Handbook of Procedures, 2023.

In exercise of the powers conferred under paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, as amended from time to time, the Director General of Foreign Trade hereby makes the following amendment to paragraph 2.51 (d) (v) (iv) of the Hand book of Procedures (H BP), 2023:

Para No.

Existing Provision

Amended Provision

Para 2.51 (d) (v) (iv)

Import consignments of metallic waste and scrap shall be subject to pre- shipment inspection certificate (PSIC) from the country of origin. However metallic waste and scrap (both shredded and unshredded) imported from safe countries/region i.e., the USA. the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the EU will not require PSIC if consignments are cleared through eight (8) ports namely. Chennai, Tuticorin, Kandla. JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra and Kattupalli. Consignments from these six countries/regions will be accompanied by certificate from the supplier/scrap yard authority to the effect that it does not contain any radioactive materials/explosives. These will, however, be subject to radiation and explosive checks through portal monitors and container scanner at these ports. Trans-shipments through these countries/regions will not be allowed this facility. Import through remaining eight (8) other ports (for both shredded and unshredded scrap/waste). irrespective of country of origin. will be subject to PSIC.

Import consignments of metallic waste and scrap shall be subject to a Pre­ Shipment Inspection Certificate (PSIC) from the country of origin.

Provided that import of metallic waste and scrap (both shredded and unshredded) imported from designated safe countries/regions, namely the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the EU, shall be exempt from requiring a PSIC, subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions:

(a)   The consignment is accompanied by a certificate from the supplier or scrap yard authority certifying that it does not contain any radioactive materials or explosives;

(b)   The consignment enters through any of the following sea ports, namely Chennai, Tuticorin. Kandla. JNPT, Mumbai, Krishnapatnam, Mundra, Kattupalli, Hazira, Kamarajar, and Adani Gangavaram, subject to mandatory radiation and explosive checks through portal monitors and container scanners at these ports; and

(c)   Trans-shipments through these countries/regions will not be allowed exemption from PSIC.

The exemption from PSIC specified herein shall apply for Customs clearance for home consumption at the designated entry sea port or at an Inland Container Depot (ICD), provided that all conditions specified under clauses (a) to (c) above are satisfied at the port of entry and, in case of clearance at an ICD, proof of the same is provided at the ICD."

(Issued from F. No.01/89/180/38/PSIA/AM-26/PC-2(A)/E-47154)