India has prohibited the export of lithium-ion battery black mass with immediate effect, in a move aimed at strengthening domestic battery recycling and the recovery of critical minerals. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce, announced the change through Notification No. 49/2026-27 dated November 10, 2026.
The export policy for the item under ITC(HS) Code 85491400 has been changed from “Free” to “Prohibited” until further orders. Transitional arrangements under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, will apply.
What is battery black mass?
Black mass is a powder-like material produced by shredding end-of-life lithium-ion batteries and battery manufacturing waste. It contains recoverable quantities of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, which are important inputs for electric vehicle batteries, energy storage systems, electronics and renewable energy technologies.
Why has the government banned exports?
The government says exports were diverting a valuable secondary source of critical minerals abroad, while domestic recycling units were not receiving enough feedstock to use their capacity fully. In some cases, Indian recyclers had to import material to meet their requirements.
By retaining black mass within the country, the government aims to improve feedstock availability for domestic recyclers and refiners, encourage investment and employment, increase mineral recovery and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals.
Impact on EV and battery supply chains
The measure is expected to support the domestic supply chain for battery manufacturing, electric vehicles and stationary energy storage. It also complements the government’s ₹1,500-crore incentive scheme for critical mineral recycling, approved in September 2025.
Black mass is a hazardous industrial material and must be handled and processed in accordance with applicable environmental and safety regulations. The export restriction does not remove those domestic compliance requirements.
Official source
Press Information Bureau / DGFT: Export prohibition notification, November 11, 2026
