Dubai: four-month ban on metal scrap exports 

Dubai Customs has imposed a temporary ban on the export of selected industrial waste and scrap materials in a move seen as protective measure to secure valuable raw materials for local processing.

According to the Bureau of International Recycling, the restriction includes ‘certain iron, copper and aluminium scrap categories’. It came into force on 10 June and will remain in place until 8 October. The ban will be renewed automatically unless a further notice is issued to cancel it.

Under pressure

Dubai-based Mir Mujtaba, president of the Bureau of Middle East Recycling (BMR), says the restriction is bad news for scrap recyclers and traders. ‘This comes just as the Strait of Hormuz is re-opening. Exports were picking up again, and the supply of materials to and from Dubai was restarting.’

For Mujtaba, ‘it looks like the decision to impose a ban has been made under pressure of local smelters’ trying to keep materials for domestic use.

Certain materials

The export prohibition applies to waste and scrap materials falling under specified HS codes, which include iron (codes 72041000, 72042100, 72042900, 72043000, 72044100 and 72044900), as well as copper (code 74040000) and aluminium (code 76020000). A full list is available in the official notice issued by the Dubai authorities.

Exemptions

According to BIR, the notice provides for possible exemptions, subject to approval by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. These may apply to shipments prepared for export under valid international contracts concluded before the ban was issued, as well as to shipments considered eligible for exemption in the public interest.

Companies seeking an exemption must submit a request to the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Further information on the exemption process is available through the Ministry’s trade information platform.

Penalties

Dubai Customs stated that ‘violations of the temporary export ban will be subject to penalties under the Unified Customs Law and its implementing regulations’.