MRAI Urges for Duty-Free Aluminium Scrap Imports

The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) has requested the government to eliminate the import duty on aluminium scrap to promote sustainability. Highlighting that recycling aluminium emits far less CO2 compared to smelting, MRAI suggests this change could help align with climate goals. The association also seeks reduced duties on other metal scraps.

The Material Recycling Association of India (MRAI) has called on the government to eliminate import duty on aluminium scrap in a bid to enhance sustainability within the industry.

According to MRAI, recycling aluminium scrap results in significantly lower carbon emissions—0.3 million tonnes (MT) per tonne of production—compared to the 14 tonnes emitted via the smelting process.

In a letter addressed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MRAI emphasized that the 2.5% import duty on aluminium scrap poses a major challenge for the recycling industry. The association urged the government to reduce this duty to zero until sufficient quality aluminium scrap becomes available domestically.

(With inputs from agencies.)