India Tightens Scrap Import Rules, 15 Inspection Agencies Lose Approval
What Happened
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has withdrawn approval for 15 pre-shipment inspection agencies after finding lapses in how they issued inspection certificates for metal scrap imports. The move has affected importers whose cargoes were certified by these agencies, leading to customs clearance delays, re-inspections, penalties, and additional costs.
Key Takeaways
The crackdown aims to strengthen compliance and safety checks in scrap imports, but it has also created short-term disruptions for importers and highlighted the sector's reliance on inspection agencies for smooth cargo clearances.