A complete operational guide for Indian paper mills and traders looking to import OCC, SWL, BBC Foil and other waste paper grades from UAE. Covers documentation, HS codes, ports, customs, and how to select a reliable exporter.
India is the world's largest importer of waste paper, consuming over 10 million tonnes annually. UAE and the GCC region have become one of India's most important supply corridors for the following reasons:
Waste paper import into India is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade). Key regulations:
No import licence required: All standard waste paper grades — OCC, SWL, BBC Foil, SOP, NCC and others — are freely importable into India with no restriction. No import licence is needed. Import duty applies at the time of customs clearance.
| Grade | HS Code | Import Status | Import Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCC, SWL, SOP, NCC (for paper mills) | 4707.10 / 4707.90 | Freely importable | 2.5% |
| BBC Foil / Scan Foil (for paper mills) | 4707.90 | Freely importable | 2.5% |
| Any grade (non-paper mill importer) | 4707.xx | Freely importable | 10% |
* Duty rates applicable to paper mills importing for own consumption. Non-paper-mill importers and traders pay standard 10% import duty. Verify current rates with your customs broker before each shipment as duty notifications may change.
For every waste paper shipment from UAE to India, the following documents are required:
| Port | State | Transit from Dubai | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nhava Sheva (JNPT) | Maharashtra | 6–8 days | Largest volume, best for mills in Maharashtra/MP |
| Mundra | Gujarat | 5–7 days | Fast-growing; good for Gujarat mills |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 7–9 days | South India — Tamil Nadu, AP mills |
| Vizag (Visakhapatnam) | Andhra Pradesh | 7–10 days | Good for AP and Odisha mills |
| Kolkata / Haldia | West Bengal | 9–12 days | East India mills |
| Pipavav | Gujarat | 5–7 days | Alternative to Mundra for Gujarat |
Waste paper is traded under standard Incoterms. The two most common for UAE-India trade are:
Payment terms: Accel Venture Trading LLC accepts payment via DP (Documents against Payment) or LC (Letter of Credit). DP means documents are released to the buyer only upon payment at their bank. LC (Letter of Credit) provides additional security for both parties and is common for new trade relationships.
All waste paper is shipped in 40ft High Cube (HC) containers only — never 20ft. Standard loading:
Contact your supplier with grade (OCC, SWL, BBC Foil etc.), destination port, and volume. The supplier issues a Proforma Invoice (PI) with price, specs, Incoterms, and loading window.
Accept the PI and arrange payment — either via DP (Documents against Payment) or LC (Letter of Credit). The supplier books the shipping line once payment terms are confirmed.
Supplier loads the container at their warehouse or port yard. Bales are weighed, moisture is checked, and fumigation is done. Photos and weight certificates are shared at this stage.
Once the vessel sails, the supplier collects the BL from the shipping line and sends the full document set — BL, Invoice, Packing List, COO, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate — to the buyer.
Your customs broker files the Bill of Entry at the destination port. Indian customs may conduct a physical inspection of the container. Average clearance time is 2–5 working days.
Once cleared, the container is moved to your mill by road or rail. The consignment is weighed on your mill scale — any weight difference from the BL is noted and settled as per trade terms.
Accel Venture Trading LLC ships 280+ containers per month to 100+ Indian paper mills. All grades, all major Indian ports. Full documentation guaranteed.
Learn more about waste paper grades, trading and export