Nickel and lead scrap serve specialty smelters and secondary metal producers. Both categories require careful regulatory compliance โ lead in particular has substantial environmental regulation globally.
Nickel Scrap Grades
- Nickel briquettes (foundry grade)
- Nickel-alloy scrap (from stainless steel processing)
- Nickel-cadmium battery scrap (regulated)
- Nickel-copper alloy scrap
Lead Scrap Grades
- ISRI Radio โ Battery lead scrap
- ISRI Ranch โ Lead cable sheathing
- ISRI Rains โ Lead pipe scrap
- ISRI Relay โ Lead-antimony alloy scrap
HS Codes
- 7503.00 โ Nickel waste and scrap
- 7802.00 โ Lead waste and scrap
- 8548 โ Waste primary cells and batteries
Critical Compliance
- Basel Convention regulations for lead battery scrap
- REACH SVHC restrictions (EU)
- Import permits for lead scrap (many destinations)
- Radioactivity clearance mandatory
Pricing
- Nickel: LME nickel + discount
- Lead: LME lead + processing margin
- Standard MOQ: 20 MT container
Frequently Asked Questions
What quality documentation should I demand for scrap shipments from India?
Mandatory: radioactivity screening certificate, pre-shipment inspection report (SGS, CIQ, or Alex Stewart), assay/composition certificate, container photos before loading and after sealing, MSDS. For metal scrap, an ISRI grade certification. For copper/brass, LME-linked pricing documentation. Any missing document creates customs delays at destination.
How is scrap metal pricing determined?
Base pricing follows the London Metal Exchange (LME) daily settlement plus or minus a specific discount/premium reflecting quality grade, purity, and market conditions. For example, HMS 1&2 steel scrap trades at Turkish scrap import index minus $30โ50. Copper scrap trades at LME copper minus 20โ40 cents per pound depending on grade.
What is the minimum order for scrap metal export from India?
Standard MOQ is one full 20-foot container (~20 metric tonnes). Some smaller quantities may be available via LCL (less than container load) at meaningfully higher per-tonne cost. For repeat buyers, ongoing supply contracts of 200+ MT per month are structured with weekly or bi-weekly container releases.
Do I need import permits for scrap material imports?
Most destinations require importer registration with local customs and environmental agencies for scrap metal imports. Lead battery scrap requires additional Basel Convention permits. Radioactive-contaminated scrap requires specific quarantine handling. Verify import permit requirements with your customs broker before booking bulk shipment.
Related Reading
- Aluminium Scrap Export from India: Grades, HS Codes & Buyer Specifications โ A B2B reference for smelters, foundries and importers buying aluminium scrap from India โ covering ISRI grades, HS codes, quality...
- Zinc Metal & Zinc Scrap Export from India โ A B2B reference for galvanizing plants, brass foundries and importers buying zinc metal and zinc scrap from Indian sources.
- Activated Carbon Sourcing Guide: Water Treatment, Air Filtration & Gold Recovery โ A comprehensive B2B sourcing reference for utilities, industrial buyers and mining operations buying activated carbon from India.
- Iron & Steel Scrap Export from India โ A B2B reference for foundries, smelters and steel mills buying iron and steel scrap from Indian sources.
About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.