BIR warned that the EU's export restrictions could weaken the recycling market

The RESourceEU Plan introduces new restrictions on scrap and waste exports, particularly for permanent magnets, aluminum, and potentially copper, to secure the EU's supply of critical raw materials. BIR emphasizes that trade-restrictive approaches must be based solely on transparent data, proportionality, and a clear assessment of global market impacts.

The plan contains numerous regulations that directly affect the international recycling sector. Export restrictions on permanent magnet scrap will be phased in by 2026; targeted measures will be applied to aluminum, and similar restrictions on copper may be introduced depending on market developments. Furthermore, the expansion of EU product requirements and labeling standards for permanent magnets, recycled content declarations, and steps to encourage the recovery of pre-production waste are prominent.

In addition, the Waste Shipment Regulation aims to facilitate the faster and easier transfer of critical raw material (CRM) waste within the EU. The EU also plans to establish a European Critical Raw Materials Center and implement a strategic stockpiling plan in 2026. As part of the revision of the WEEE Directive, the aim is to increase collection rates for products with high CRM content, such as electronics and batteries.

BIR argues that all these regulations should be prepared with a transparent and data-driven approach that takes into account actual trade flows and the functioning of the global recycling market. The organization warns that export restrictions imposed without a comprehensive global impact assessment could distort the market, weaken competition, and disrupt international circular trade flows.

In her assessment of the issue, Alev Somer, Director of Trade and Environment at BIR, said, "Maintaining a competitive and functioning international market for recycled materials is essential to strengthening Europe's industrial resilience. We support the EU's goal of increasing recycling capacity; however, the success of this goal depends on evidence-based policies and predictable trade frameworks. Trade restrictions prepared without impact analysis could have the opposite effect."