India bans lithium-ion battery black mass exports

India's DGFT has banned exports of lithium-ion battery black mass and specified battery scrap, effective immediately, to boost domestic critical mineral recycling. The policy shifts export status from 'free' to 'prohibited'. Black mass contains lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The move follows a ₹1,500 crore government incentive scheme launched in September to expand domestic recycling capacity.