Import And Export Permission For Hazardous Wastes From MOEFCC

MoEFCC Licence for Import & Export of Hazardous Waste

Introduction

As per the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, no hazardous or other waste shall be imported into India for disposal. Import of hazardous and other wastes is permitted only for recycling, recovery, reuse, utilisation, or co-processing, subject to prior approval.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal authority in India responsible for regulating the transboundary movement of hazardous and other wastes. Any import or export of goods containing hazardous waste requires prior permission from MoEFCC.

When is MoEFCC Permission Required?

MoEFCC approval is mandatory if the import or export involves hazardous or other wastes, including but not limited to:

  • Lead Scrap / Battery Scrap
  • Waste Tyres / Rubber Scrap
  • Used Oil
  • Electrical & Electronic Assemblies (E-Waste)
  • Other wastes listed under Schedule III & VI of the Rules

Such permissions ensure environmentally sound management and prevent illegal dumping of hazardous materials.

Regulatory Responsibilities of Importers & Exporters

  • Maintain records of hazardous and other wastes in Form 3
  • Make records available for inspection by authorities
  • Submit Annual Return in Form 4 to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) on or before 30th June of the following financial year
  • Ensure shipments are accompanied by:
    • Movement Document
    • Test Report from a laboratory accredited or recognised by the exporting country

Exemptions

  • Import of hazardous waste samples up to 1000 g or 1000 ml for testing, research, or R&D purposes does not require MoEFCC permission

Import & Export Conditions (As per Schedules)

Import Provisions
  • Part A – Schedule III:

    Allowed only with Prior Informed Consent (PIC) of exporting country + MoEFCC permission

  • Part B – Schedule III:

    Allowed with MoEFCC permission
    (For used EEE / e-waste, EPR Authorisation is mandatory)

  • Part D – Schedule III:

    No MoEFCC permission required

  • Schedule VI:

    Import strictly prohibited

  • Unlisted wastes showing hazardous characteristics (Part C, Schedule III):

    Require prior written permission from MoEFCC

Export Provisions
  • Export of wastes listed in Schedule III (Part A & B) and Schedule VI requires MoEFCC permission
  • Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the importing country is mandatory (where applicable)

Procedure for Import Permission (MoEFCC Licence)

The general procedure for obtaining MoEFCC import permission includes:

Step 1: Application Submission

  • Apply in Form 5 to MoEFCC
  • Attach prior informed consent of exporting country (if applicable)
  • Provide complete technical details of the waste
  • Send a copy of the application to the concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)

Step 2: Review by MoEFCC

  • MoEFCC evaluates the submitted application
  • Observations and recommendations from SPCB are considered

Step 3: Grant of Import Permission

  • Permission may be granted within 60 days, subject to compliance
  • Availability of environmentally sound facilities
  • Adequate treatment and disposal arrangements
  • Valid SPCB authorisation and statutory consents
  • Prior informed consent (mandatory for Schedule III Part A wastes)

Step 4: Circulation of Approval

  • Approval copies are circulated to Port & Customs Authorities
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
  • Concerned State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)

Procedure for Export Permission

The general procedure for obtaining export permission includes:

Step 1: Application Submission

  • Apply in Form 5
  • Submit valid insurance coverage
  • Provide prior informed consent of importing country (where required)

Step 2: Review & Approval

  • MoEFCC reviews the export application
  • Export permission is generally granted within 60 days

Step 3: Circulation of Approval

  • SPCB of the waste-generating State
  • SPCB of the export port State
  • Port & Customs Authorities

Conclusion

If you plan to import or export hazardous or other wastes such as lead scrap, battery scrap, waste tyres, used oil, or e-waste, obtaining prior permission from MoEFCC is mandatory. Non-compliance with the applicable regulations can lead to serious consequences, including shipment detention, monetary penalties, or legal action under prevailing environmental laws.

Why Choose Qualitance India for MoEFCC Licence?

Qualitance India provides end-to-end compliance support for MoEFCC permissions, including:

  • Waste classification & schedule mapping
  • Form-5 application preparation & submission
  • Coordination with SPCB, CPCB & Customs
  • Import & export permission tracking
  • EPR & allied environmental compliances
  • Timely approvals with regulatory accuracy

We help manufacturers, importers, and exporters navigate environmental regulations smoothly and lawfully.

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