The government has banned the export of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery black mass,​a recycled battery material containing metals such ‌as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese, by changing its export status from “free” to “prohibited” with immediate effect.

The amendment prohibits Indian recyclers from exporting Li-ion battery black mass, encouraging ⁠domestic processing of critical battery materials and supporting India’s electric-vehicle (EV) supply-chain ambitions.

According to the​notification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Department of Commerce, the export ban applies to Li-ion battery black mass and associated battery waste that are unsorted and not containing lead, cadmium ‌or ⁠mercury.

The notification comes days after the Union Cabinet approved an incentive policy worth Rs 2,814 crore to boost domestic processing of lithium​and nickel,​aimed at ⁠reducing reliance on supply chains dominated by China.

India is one of​the world’s fastest-growing EV markets, with​the ⁠government promoting local battery manufacturing and recycling as it targets EVs to account for 30 per cent of new ⁠car​sales and 80 per cent of new two- and three-wheeler sales by 2030.