New European Union regulations for end-of-life vehicles come into effect

A new European Union regulation concerning end-of-life vehicles has officially taken effect as of August 2026. This comprehensive framework governs the entire lifecycle of vehicles, from initial design and production to final collection and recycling processes, aiming to bolster circularity within the automotive industry.

Approximately 10 to 12 million vehicles are discarded annually in Europe. To mitigate the significant environmental impact and material waste caused by poor management, the European Commission has introduced mandatory targets for recycled plastics in new car manufacturing, requiring 15% recycled content by 2032 and 25% by 2036. Similar mandates for steel and aluminum are expected to be defined by the Commission with implementation set for 2033. Furthermore, manufacturers are now legally obligated to provide explicit instructions for the removal and replacement of parts to simplify disassembly.

The legislation also reinforces extended producer responsibility, requiring manufacturers to finance collection and processing. Additionally, starting in mid-2031, the export of used vehicles outside the European Union will be restricted to those currently in operational condition, a measure designed to prevent the dumping of non-functioning waste vehicles abroad.