BIR Non-Ferrous Update Released

In his opening remarks, Marc Natan, president of BIR’s Non-Ferrous Metals Division, touched on some of the key issues taking place.

In the opening, he notes, “The Non-Ferrous Metal Division wants to thank the numerous attendees for their active participation in our Round- Table and workshop on shipping to India, both held in London at the end of October.

The subjects discussed remain topical.”

In reference to the recent restrictions in shipments to India, Natan noted that “confusion surrounds the shipment of metals to India. Indeed, even though shredded metals are free to circulate, provided containers are directed to authorized ports, firms are having to seek quality certificates from one of 15 international inspection agencies for all the other types of scrap.

“Although this may seem simple, shipping companies regularly refuse to accept our material because they are worried about port congestion and the possibility that containers will be returned to the country of loading. The inspection agencies also do not really understand the role they have to play and are refusing to bear the responsibility for quality approvals.

“At the request of the Indian associations, a liaison committee comprising all the main parties is being put together within BIR. Its main task will be to co-ordinate and lead moves to enable the free movement of exports in a legislative and customs framework established by the Indian authorities.”