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BIR Warns Impact of Wider EU Recycling Export Controls Remains Unclear
The European Commission is preparing broader controls on recyclable-material exports to non-OECD countries, but the Bureau of International Recycling says the implications for recyclers and international trade cannot be assessed until the detailed proposal is published.
By Paul Ploumis
Published September 14, 2026
Key Points
- The European Commission is preparing a broader approach to recyclable-material exports that could extend beyond earlier aluminium-focused measures.
- The proposed policy is being developed through a delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation.
- BIR says the effect on recyclers cannot be determined until the materials, destinations, exemptions and implementation timeline are defined.
- Existing Waste Shipment Regulation rules will generally restrict covered non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries from May 21, 2027 unless the destination is authorized.
- The European Commission is expected to establish its first list of authorized non-OECD destinations by November 21, 2026.
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): The European Commission is preparing a broader policy that could tighten exports of recyclable materials from the European Union to non-OECD countries, according to the Bureau of International Recycling.
The proposed approach would extend beyond an earlier aluminium-focused trade measure. The Commission is reportedly developing a delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, with adoption targeted by the end of 2026 following a public consultation.
BIR Says Practical Impact Cannot Yet Be Determined
BIR cautioned that the proposal remains too undefined for recycling companies to determine its practical consequences.
The impact on recycling businesses and international material flows will depend on which materials are covered, the destination countries affected, any exemptions that are granted and the final implementation timetable.
BIR said a firm assessment will only be possible once the European Commission publishes a detailed proposal.
Existing EU Export Rules Tighten in 2027
The revised Waste Shipment Regulation entered into force in May 2024, with most provisions beginning to apply in May 2026.
From May 21, 2027, exports of covered non-hazardous waste for recovery to non-OECD countries will generally be prohibited unless the destination country has been authorized by the European Union to receive the relevant waste streams.
The European Commission is currently evaluating applications from non-OECD countries seeking authorization.
The first list of authorized destinations is expected to be established by November 21, 2026.
Broader Proposal Adds Another Layer of Uncertainty
The proposed delegated act could introduce additional restrictions beyond the export controls already scheduled under the Waste Shipment Regulation.
However, until the Commission publishes the scope and legal details of the measure, BIR said conclusions about its effect on recycling companies and international recycled-material trade would be premature.
