How to get MOEF permission for the import of used tyres?

Introduction

In India, almost 300,000 tones of tyres are imported every year from across the world for recycling and disposal. One of the main reasons for importing these waste tyres is that they are a steady source of supply. Each day, on average India, the World produces 650,000 tyres and discards 275,000 tyres.

The import of old & used tyres in India is a challenging procedure. Several agencies are involved in the process of import of such tyres in India. Since it is quite a daunting task for the overseas suppliers or the Indian Importer to keep a close eye on the latest policy landscape, beneath we have mentioned all the details regarding getting permission for the import of used tyres in India.
The importers planning to import used tyres in India have to take permission from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MOEF&CC) as these goods contain hazardous wastes. In India, the MOEF (Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change) is the licensing authority held responsible for using such kind of certification.

As per the rules, the conditions to import used tyres in India include:

No import of hazardous waste from any country to India for disposal is allowed.
Import must be done for recycling or recovery & reuse.
No Municipal Solid Wastes or Post Consumer Domestic Wastes or Bio-medical wastes or any other type of Hazardous waste will be imported along with the tyre scrap. If there are any illegal imports, the consignment will be sent back to the exporting country and the importer has to bear all the cost of such transportation.
Inventory of imported material will be maintained by the unit, which consists of all details of the exporter from where the imports originated.
It is important to keep a record of residue generated while recycling the imported tyre scrap along with the quantity and characteristics of non-recyclable residue. These must be treated/disposed of according to the consent issued on regular basis by the State Pollution Control Board in an environmentally sound manner.
No Objection from MOEF will be considered valid till the validity of the consolidated consent order is marked by the concerned State Pollution Control Board.

Key Points to remember while before applying for Import NOC:

The Imported tyres must confirm to IS 15709: 2018 for Automotive Vehicles- Retreaded Pneumatic Tyres for Passenger Cars- Specification.
There must be preventive or Limited use of biocides (such as fumigation of at-risk shipments). The fumigating agency must be informed to perform as per the HSMD Rules/BASEL Rules
The tyres to be imported must be completely dry and no traces of water must be found before loading, during loading, during unloading & inspection. To ensure this, photography will be done at all the stated stages.
Attach the test report of analysis of the waste, consignment, wherever applicable, from a laboratory accredited or recognized from the country from where the tyres are being exported.
In case of any doubt or query, the customs may verify the analysis/inspection report. The importers are suggested to get the PSIC done, if possible, from renowned international agencies.
A Declaration on the Exporters Letter Head stating that the export of Used & Old Tyres under HS Code 4012 2090 is used for Resale purposes and not for Recycling. It must not violate any provisions of the HSMD Rule 2016 & thus there must not be any waste disposal or waste generation in the entire process according to the HSMD Rules 2008 & Amendment Rules 2016 according to the BASEL Convention
The importers have to get a certificate from the Chartered Engineer at the Port of Import- The Min Residual life must not be less than 55% of the Old & Used Tyres and there must not be visible cuts whatsoever otherwise it will come into the category of Waste/Scrap Pneumatic Tyres under ITC (HS) tariff 4004
In case of import under ITC (HS) tariff 4012 2020 which is Restricted, the importers are supposed to refer to the ruling.

Documents Required to get Permission from MOEF for import of used tyres

Pan Card of the Authorized Person
Pan card of Unit
MOA & AOA/Agreement deed
Consent to Operate of Unit
Consent to Operate from State Pollution Control Board
IEC
GST
Authorization of unit
Photograph and video of running plant
Lab report

Procedure for MOEF Application for import of used tyres

Step – 1
The applicant has to submit an online application on the MOEF portal for this. The necessary documents such as the applicant company details, proof of address, Pollution Certificate from State Pollution Control Board, Reason for import, details of recycling plant, with photos and video, are to be submitted.
Step – 2
The Expert Committee (EC) of the MOEF will review the application and the documents deficiency is issued if any document is required by the EC
Step – 3
The EC issues a batch notification for a virtual meeting with the applicant, the date & time schedule is issued emailed to the applicants.
Step – 4
After the EC verifies the information with the applicant, it may issue an order for virtual or physical inspection of the factory premises of the applicant.
Step – 5
The EC orders the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to perform an inspection on the premises of the applicant. The CPCB further instructs the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to perform the inspection.
Step – 6
After the SPCB submits its inspection report to the CPCB, which in turn, is forwarded to the MOEF, the Certificate for Import of used tyres is issued. 
Note: As the used tyres are put in the restricted category list, the applicant may be required to obtain permission from the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). 
 

For more details, please visit Metacorp