BIR requests transition-period extension to India’s preshipment inspection certifications

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, has requested a four-month extension to the transition period regarding preshipment inspection certification (PSIC) as required by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

In collaboration with the Metals Recycling Association of India (MRIA) and the U.S.-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), BIR expresses in a letter to the Minister that more time is needed for all inspection agencies (PSIAs) to be prepared to deal with the certification requests.

Currently, the new rules laid out in Public Notice No. 12/2015-20 are set to take effect July 1, 2015.

In its letter, BIR contends that most large shredder operators around the world are well-equipped to affirm the quality and safety of their own shredded scrap and either could be eligible for an exemption from the rules or be able to self-inspect. Moreover, BIR recognizes the progress that Indian ports have achieved in terms of radioactivity detection devices, with some 13 ports operating with portal monitors.