Copper Dross Imports in India: A Step-by-Step Guide to DGFT Authorization

Introduction

India has been ranked as one of the biggest consumers of copper worldwide and the industries that partake in this demand include electrical equipment, power, construction, and manufacturing. In order to close the supply gap, India has to import different types of copper such as copper dross; a by-product of copper smelting and refining.

Even though copper dross has metal that can be recovered, it is classified as restricted to be imported under the Indian trade regulations. This implies that an importer should seek special permission of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) before it could legally enter India.

The blog offers a detailed chronological guide to importing copper dross into India, justifies why it is important that DGFT authorization is required, and explains its effect on human health and the environment as well as answers 10 of the most common questions.

Importance of DGFT in Regulating Imports

The nodal agency of Ministry of Commerce and industry is the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) that is mandated to regulate imports and exports of India.

The role of DGFT in the imports of restricted goods such as copper dross is important since:

• Environmental Protection: Copper dross has poisonous oxides, impurities, and residues, which may contaminate the air, water, and soil. DGFT provides that only the authorized recyclers get imports.
• Safety of Workers: Misuse of dross may result in diseases that affect the lungs, skin and long-term health problems. Authorization provides secure processing plants.
• Adherence to International Conventions: India being a signatory to the Basel Convention has to control trans boundary flow of hazardous waste.
• Accountability: Import authorizations allow traceability, i.e. the importing party, in what quantity and how it is processed.
• Equal Growth in the Industry: It stops unselective imports and secures the domestic recycling facilities by keeping the real recyclers on copper dross.

Why Copper Dross Import Permission is Necessary

Even though copper dross can be useful in secondary copper production, it can also be hazardous to the environment and health when not controlled.

Risks without Regulation:

• Air pollution: Fumes and dust in processing could contain sulfur dioxide and heavy metals.
• Water pollution: Leachates of improperly stored copper dross may poison ground water with copper, arsenic and lead.
• Human health effect: The workers who are exposed to copper dust face the risk of lung disease, nausea and neurological disorders.
• Dumping risk: India might turn into dumping of hazardous copper residues by other nations in case there is no control.

In such a manner, DGFT certification will make sure that companies that have scientific methods of recycling and SPCB approval should be allowed to import copper dross to avoid environmental degradation.

How to apply DGFT Authorization to the import of Copper Dross Imports

Step 1: Import Policy and Hs Code

The copper dross falls under the general category of HS Code 26203010 (Ash and residues containing mostly copper).
According to ITC (HS), it falls under the Restricted Category.

Step 2: Company Readiness

• Get Import Export Code (IEC) at DGFT.
• Apply with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to register your unit and get Consent to Establish/ Operate to recycle.
• Have Factories Act valid Factory License

Step 3: Registration of Online on DGFT Portal

Application of license of file importing on dgft.gov.in.
Upload documents:

• IEC Certificate
• Documents of incorporation of the firm (MOA / Partnership Deed / Proprietorship Proof)
• Factory License
• SPCB Authorization (Compliance to Hazardous Waste Management Rules)
• Chartered Engineer Certificate of machinery.
• Unit environmental management plan.

Step 4: Payment of Application Fee

According to DGFT fee schedule of restricted imports:

• Rs. 1 per Rs. 1,000 CIF value of import.
• Minimum: Rs. 500
• Maximum: Rs. 1,00,000

Step 5: Technical Review and Examination

DGFT reviews the application and sends it to MoEFCC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change).
The Technical Committee on Hazardous Waste Imports inspects the capacity of the facilities and compliance.

Step 6: Grant of Authorization

After the approval, DGFT sends an Import Authorization Letter with:

• Quantity permitted
• Validity period (typically a year)
• Conditions of processing

Step 7: Import & Compliance

Shipment consignment is received at Indian ports.
DGFT verifies clearance and before clearance, customs verifies.
Importer should keep records and make reports to SPCB/CPCB according to norms.

DGFT Government Fees for Restricted Items (Copper Dross)

(₹1 per ₹1,000 of CIF value, min ₹500, max ₹1, 00,000)

Conclusion

Copper dross is a good secondary resource as well as a controlled hazardous material. To import it in India, it must be strictly followed under the authorization procedures of DGFT, with only real recyclers with proper facilities doing so.
The DGFT position in allowing permission is not only important in terms of facilitating trade but also in ensuring environmental protection, human health security, and sustainable industrial development.

As a business, it is important to learn a process step by step of the DGFT process, fees involved, and documentation to prevent delays, penalties, and rejections at ports.

Using due diligence, India is able to effectively utilize copper dross as raw material in its industries and in the process, be environmentally responsible.