Extension of Export Ban Oon Precious Metal Scrap & Waste

Russia has once again extended its temporary ban on exporting precious metal scrap and waste, prolonging the restrictions until November 30, 2025. This extension, announced by the government’s press service, is part of a series of measures introduced since 2022 to manage precious metal resources and reinforce domestic refining capacities.

The ban covers a broad category of materials, including scrap and waste containing precious metals or metals plated with precious metals, as well as scrap derived from electrical and electronic equipment primarily used for precious metal recovery.

Rationale Behind the Export Restrictions

According to the government statement, the export ban is designed to increase the workload of Russian refining enterprises. By restricting the flow of precious metal scrap abroad, the policy encourages local processing and value addition within Russia’s refining industry, potentially boosting employment and technological development in this sector.

The move aligns with broader industrial strategies aimed at enhancing self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign markets for processed precious metals.

Scope & Specifics of the Ban

The export restrictions are comprehensive, covering all scrap and waste containing precious metals or their compounds. This includes items such as discarded electronics, jewelry remnants, and industrial by-products containing metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium.

However, there are exceptions. The ban does not apply to the export of antimony cathodes in ingot form, nor to small samples of precious metal scrap and waste exported by refining organizations for testing or quality control purposes. These samples are limited to a maximum weight of 500 grams per commercial batch.

History of the Ban & Previous Extensions

This is not the first time Russia has implemented such export controls. Temporary restrictions on precious metal scrap exports have been in place since 2022, with multiple extensions reflecting the ongoing strategic importance of retaining these valuable materials domestically.

The latest previous extension was effective from December 1, 2024, through May 31, 2025, before this recent decision prolonged the ban further by six months.

Key Takeaways

• Russia has extended its temporary ban on precious metal scrap and waste exports until November 30, 2025, to support domestic refining enterprises.

• The ban includes scrap containing precious metals and from electronic equipment, with exceptions for antimony cathodes and small samples for testing.

• This measure is part of Russia’s strategy to boost industrial self-sufficiency amid geopolitical tensions and has been in place since 2022 with multiple extensions.