EU Plans Tighter Plastic Import Rules From 2026
Plastic Recycling | 2025-12-31 06:46:49
Regulators say rising inflows of low-cost plastic materials, some marketed as recycled, are distorting the market and undermining the EU’s circular economy goals.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Commission has confirmed it is preparing a new legal framework to tighten controls on plastic imports into the European Union from early 2026, responding to mounting pressure across Europe’s struggling plastics recycling industry. The move follows a year in which more recycling capacity was lost in 2025 than any year on record, according to Plastics Recyclers Europe, as plants closed amid high power costs and shrinking margins.
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Regulators say rising inflows of low-cost plastic materials, some marketed as recycled, are distorting the market and undermining the EU’s circular economy goals. Virgin plastics, often cheaper to produce when oil prices are low, are increasingly outcompeting recycled materials, particularly as Europe’s electricity costs remain far higher than those of major exporting countries.
At the core of the Commission’s concern is market integrity. Officials believe some virgin plastics are being mislabelled as recycled, allowing suppliers to undercut EU recyclers while meeting recycled-content rules on paper.
To address this, Brussels plans stricter documentation and traceability requirements, new customs codes distinguishing virgin and recycled plastics, and expanded audits of overseas recycling facilities. An import surveillance task force will monitor trade flows through 2026, with possible duties or restrictions if market conditions fail to stabilise.
POLL
Will the EU’s new import controls effectively support the European recycling industry?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is the EU tightening plastic import rules?
To protect the recycling industry from market distortions caused by mislabelled or low-cost virgin plastics and to support circular economy goals.
- What issues has the EU recycling sector faced recently?
In 2025, Europe lost more recycling capacity than any previous year due to high energy costs and shrinking profit margins.
- What new measures will the EU implement?
Stricter documentation and traceability, new customs codes distinguishing virgin and recycled plastics, expanded audits of foreign facilities, and an import surveillance task force.
