The scrap metal industry has reiterated its ongoing concern about delays in obtaining export licences. In response to these concerns, the Trade and Industry Ministry issued a statement on February 20 saying the application processing continues and any delays experienced are caused by incorrect applications and failure to comply with the law.

The Trade Ministry said, "Since the reopening of the industry on February 24, 2023, the Trade Licence Unit (TLU) has processed 853 export licence applications for scrap metal and facilitated 1,325 notices of intent and loadings.

"The TLU has indicated that an application for an export licence for scrap metal can be processed in as little as one day. However, any delays experienced by scrap metal dealers are a result of failures to comply with the laws and regulations, including the submission of incomplete or inaccurate documentation."