EU Targets Ban on Aluminum Scrap Exports to Non-OECD Countries

Metal Recycling News | 2026-09-07 05:15:01 | By Paul Ploumis

The earlier proposal was reportedly scheduled for submission on September 23.

Summary

EU considers broad waste export restrictions: The European Union is preparing comprehensive controls that could prohibit exports of all waste, including aluminum scrap, to countries outside the OECD framework, marking a significant expansion from earlier aluminum-specific proposals.
New policy could disrupt global scrap flows: The broader approach is being developed under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation after authorities determined that targeting aluminum waste alone would address only part of the waste trade and could be difficult to enforce. Major recycling destinations such as China and India could be forced to seek alternative sources.
Industry response remains divided: The proposal is expected to undergo public consultation, with the EU targeting implementation by the end of 2026. The European Aluminium Association supports tighter controls and has advocated an export tariff of up to 30%, while recycling industry groups oppose broader restrictions.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Union (EU) is preparing a major overhaul of its waste export policy that could prohibit shipments of all waste, including aluminum scrap, to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) framework.

According to a staff team statement released September 4, EU Commissioner for Industrial Strategy Stéphane Séjourné has finalized a policy plan for comprehensive export controls. The proposed approach represents a significant expansion from earlier expectations that the EU would introduce restrictions specifically targeting aluminum waste.

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The earlier proposal was reportedly scheduled for submission on September 23. However, EU assessments indicated that an aluminum-specific measure would address only part of the waste trade and could prove difficult to enforce effectively. Authorities therefore opted for a broader framework based on the EU Waste Shipment Regulation.

Under the planned rules, exports of waste to non-OECD countries would generally be prohibited, with possible exemptions for certain EU candidate countries. Major destinations for recyclable materials, including China and India, will now be forced to find alternative sources to meet thier demand.

The proposal is expected to undergo public consultation before final approval. The EU plans to implement the proposal by the end of 2026.

The European Aluminium Association has extended support for tighter export controls and has called for an export tariff of up to 30% on waste. On the contrary, recycling industry groups have expressed opposition to broader restrictions.