India is hungry for aluminium. With domestic demand growing at 10-12% annually (driven by EVs, construction, and power sectors), primary producers alone cannot meet the need. This supply gap has turned Aluminium Scrap into "Green Gold."
For Indian importers, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the undisputed #1 sourcing hub. Why? Because the UAE generates massive amounts of high-quality industrial scrap, and the logistics cost to Mundra/Nhava Sheva is incredibly low.
If you are planning to enter this trade, this guide covers everything from the latest 2025 Import Regulations (AIMS) to the top suppliers you need to know.
1. Why Import from UAE? (The Strategic Edge)
Proximity: A container from Jebel Ali (Dubai) reaches Mundra (Gujarat) in just 3-5 days. Compare this to 30+ days from the USA or UK.
Quality: UAE scrap (often from demolished buildings or oil & gas projects) typically has higher purity (Tense/Taint Tabor) compared to mixed municipal scrap from other regions.
Zero Duty Benefit: Under the CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), certain categories of metal products may eventually see duty benefits, though standard scrap currently attracts basic customs duty.
2. The Top 3 Aluminium Scrap Suppliers in UAE
Note: These are established industry giants. Always conduct your own due diligence and visit the yard before transferring funds.
1. Lucky Recycling (The Lucky Group)
A massive name in the global recycling industry. They are one of the oldest and largest scrap processors in Dubai, with state-of-the-art yards that segregate scrap into verified ISRI grades (Tense, Taint, Tabor).
Location: Jebel Ali Free Zone & Al Qusais, Dubai.
Specialty: High-grade Aluminium Extrusion Scrap (6063), UBC (Used Beverage Cans).
Contact:
Phone: +971-4-8835250 / +971-4-2674343
Website: luckygroup.com
Email: info@luckygroup.com
2. Sharif Metals Group
A family-owned heavy-weight based in Sharjah. They have been in the business for over 50 years and are major aggregators of non-ferrous metals across the Middle East. They are known for bulk volume capabilities.
Location: Sharjah Industrial Area.
Specialty: Mixed Aluminium Scrap, Cast Aluminium, and Copper.
Contact:
Phone: +971-6-5331333 / +971-50-1628888
Website: sharifmetalsgroup.com
Email: info@sharifmetals.com
3. Pioneer Metal Industries LLC
Located in the Dubai Investment Park (DIP), Pioneer is a major player in lead and aluminium recycling. They are well-regarded for their processed ingots and clean scrap bundles.
Location: Dubai Investment Park (DIP), Jebel Ali.
Specialty: Clean Aluminium Wire Scrap (Talk), Wheels, and Litho Sheets.
Contact:
Phone: +971-4-8833221
Email: (Generally available via their inquiry forms or info@pioneermetal.ae - verify via phone).
3. Regulatory Compliance: The "AIMS" Hurdle
Importing scrap is not as simple as buying general goods. The Indian government monitors this sector strictly to prevent the dumping of hazardous waste.
Mandatory Checklist for 2025:
AIMS Registration (Crucial):
You must register your import under the Aluminium Import Monitoring System (AIMS).
You need to pay a registration fee of ₹500 - ₹1,00,000 (depending on value) and get a Unique Registration Number (URN) before the shipment arrives.
PSIC (Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate):
Scrap often contains unexploded war material (shells) or radiation. You MUST get a PSIC from an approved agency in the UAE before the container is sealed. Without this, Indian Customs will not clear the goods.
Pollution Control Board (SPCB) License:
You need a "Consent to Operate" or an Import License from your State Pollution Control Board proving you are a registered recycler or trader with safe storage.
4. Customs Duties & Taxes (The Math)
As of the latest 2024-25 tariff structure, here is what you pay at the Indian port:
HS Code: 7602 00 10 (Aluminium Scrap).
Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 2.5%
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% (of BCD)
IGST (GST): 18%
Total Landed Tax Impact: Approx 21.25%. (Note: Industry bodies are lobbying to increase the BCD to 10-15% to protect domestic smelters, so keep an eye on the Union Budget announcements).
5. Logistics: The "Jebel Ali to Mundra" Route
Container Type: 20ft Heavy Duty Container. (Scrap is dense; you will hit the weight limit of ~25 Tonnes before you fill the volume of a 40ft container).
Freight Cost: Extremely competitive. often ranging between $200 - $600 per container depending on shipping line fluctuations (e.g., Maersk, MSC).
Transit Time: 3 to 5 Days.
6. Profitability & Action Plan
The Margin: Importers typically aim for a $50 - $100 per ton net margin after all expenses. The Risk: The biggest risk is "Quality Claim." If you order Tense (Engine Castings) and receive Taint/Tabor (Old Sheets) mixed with iron attachments, your profit vanishes.
Next Steps for You:
Apply for AIMS immediately if you have an IEC.
Contact Lucky or Sharif Metals and ask for their "Indication Offer" for Aluminium Tense Scrap.
Visit the yard. A flight to Dubai is cheaper than the loss on a bad container.
Disclaimer: Trade regulations change frequently. Always consult with a licensed Customs House Agent (CHA) in India before booking your shipment.