Indian waste tyre imports have surged five-fold, triggering concerns over environmental impact, market stability, and regulatory oversight. As global demand for used tyres and pyrolysis feedstock increases, governments and industry leaders are reassessing waste tyre trade policies and sustainability strategies.

This report analyzes the key drivers behind the surge in waste tyre imports, potential economic and environmental risks, and new opportunities for sustainable tyre recycling, pyrolysis technology, and circular economy initiatives. Stay informed with expert insights and data-driven market intelligence.

ATMA says India is increasingly becoming a destination for waste or scrap tyres, with the imports surging five-fold since FY21

According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce, the import of waste or scrap tyres, which was 2.64 lakh metric tonnes (MT) in FY21 has risen to 13.98 lakh MT in FY24. According to the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA), this rise in unregulated imports poses significant environmental and safety risks.

Contrary to the EPR scheme’s aim, imports of waste tyres have increased annually. There is a clear lack of control.

“The indiscriminate import of waste/scrap tyres undermines the objectives of the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Regulation on Waste Tyres, which came into effect in July 2022. EPR regulations were designed to ensure the responsible management of End of Life Tyres (ELT). However, the unchecked import of waste or scrap tyres not only contradicts these efforts but also burdens India’s waste management infrastructure”, said Arnab Banerjee, Chairman ATMA.

India produces over 200 million tyres annually. This volume generates enough domestic ELT capacity for recycling and disposal. The environmental and safety implications of unregulated tyre waste are grave said the Deccan Chronicle.  Improperly disposed waste tyres can lead to severe pollution, fire hazards, and health risks. By banning imports of scrap tyres, India can bolster its domestic recycling industry and further its commitment to sustainable development.

There has been a change in attitude in this latest round of publicity about waste tyre imports in India. A stronger call from ATMA may lead to a change in thinking on imports.

This should be a screaming-out-loud warning to major exporters such as the UK. If the Indian government sides with the tyre manufacturers, the UK will face a real challenge in disposing of its tyres. Contrary to the current thinking that tyres are not a priority for the UK’s DeFRA, they could rapidly become a not-inconsiderable challenge.

Why Klean Industries is the Leading Solution for Waste Tyre Recycling

As global waste tyre trade surges—with India now importing 85% of the UK’s scrap tyres—the need for advanced, sustainable, and profitable tyre recycling solutions has never been greater. Klean Industries is at the forefront of this transformation, offering proven pyrolysis technology that converts waste tyres into high-value recovered carbon black (rCB), pyrolysis oil, and steel, all while reducing environmental impact.

Unlike traditional recycling methods, Klean’s industry-leading pyrolysis systems are designed for:

✅ Maximum Yield & Purity – Producing high-grade rCB & fuel-quality pyrolysis oil.
✅ Ultra-Low Emissions – Meeting & exceeding EU & UK regulatory standards.
✅ Closed-Loop Circular Economy Solutions – Creating sustainable, scalable recycling infrastructures.

Discover the UK’s Tyre Recycling Crisis & Klean’s Impactful Solutions

Explore Our UK Case Studies to learn how Klean Industries is helping tackle the UK’s waste tyre export problem with scalable, profitable, and fully compliant tyre pyrolysis facilities.

Want to Turn Waste Tyres into a Profitable Resource?

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