On 13 August, new rules on the design, production, collection, and end-of-life treatment of vehicles entered into force to strengthen circularity in the automotive sector and support Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Every year, 10 to 12 million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their life and are treated as waste. End-of-life vehicles are a reliable source of valuable raw materials. So, when these vehicles are not properly managed, they can cause environmental problems, and the European economy loses millions of tonnes of materials. By fostering the recovery, reuse and recycling of steel, aluminium, copper or plastics, the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation will enhance Europe’s resource security, reduce dependence on imported virgin materials, support industry and cut waste. It will also create new business opportunities for the whole supply chain, foster better collaboration between producers, dismantlers and recyclers, and reduce waste and environmental impacts.
Manufacturers will need to provide clear and detailed instructions for removing and replacing parts both during use and at end-of-life, ensuring easier dismantling of vehicles. The Regulation also introduces Europe’s first-ever mandatory targets for recycled plastic content in vehicles to boost demand for recycled materials. Measures encouraging reuse, remanufacturing and refurbishment will increase the availability of second-hand spare parts. Strengthened producer responsibility will ensure the proper financing of waste treatment of end-of-life vehicles and promote higher-quality recycling. In addition, only roadworthy cars will be allowed to be exported outside the EU.
Prosperity and Industrial Strategy Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné (pictured) said: “The End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation is not just about waste, it is about resilience and Europe’s industrial future. It helps cut our dependencies on external suppliers, strengthens Europe’s economic security and keeps strategic resources within the EU. That is not only good environmental policy – it is hard-headed industrial policy.”
Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Commissioner Jessika Roswall said: “The new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation sets a new European standard for how vehicles should be designed, produced and recovered. This is about more than recycling – it is about securing critical materials and making our automotive sector truly circular. Every car that is dismantled, every tonne of steel, aluminium, copper or plastic that is recovered, is a step towards a more resilient Europe.”
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