End-of-life vehicles
On 18 June 2026, Parliament gave its final approval of new EU circularity rules covering a vehicle’s entire lifecycle, from design to end-of-life treatment. This agreement aims to promote more sustainable vehicle production and disposal, while harmonising rules across Member States to strengthen the internal market and reduce environmental impacts.
On transfer of ownership, the agreement envisages limited information requirements for economic operators and no additional obligations for private individuals, seeking a balance between combating missing vehicles and avoiding disproportionate new obligations. Vehicle status assessments will be mandatory in accident cases. Furthermore, a two-year postponement of the ban on export of non-roadworthy vehicles was agreed.
Regarding recycled plastic content, targets are set at 15% after 72 months and 25% after 120 months, and pre-consumer plastics have been excluded. A mirror clause with auditing for third countries installations was also introduced. The agreement sets the closed-loop recycled plastics target at 20% and establishes the procedure for future targets on recycled steel, aluminium and other critical raw materials. The circularity strategy will be developed at manufacturer level, with simplified reporting and reduced administrative burden.
Regarding recycled plastic content, targets are set at 15% after 72 months and 25% after 120 months, and pre-consumer plastics have been excluded. A mirror clause with auditing for third countries installations was also introduced. The agreement sets the closed-loop recycled plastics target at 20% and establishes the procedure for future targets on recycled steel, aluminium and other critical raw materials. The circularity strategy will be developed at manufacturer level, with simplified reporting and reduced administrative burden.