STRASBOURG (FRANCE), June 18 (ITALPRESS/GNA) – The European Parliament has given its final approval to new EU circularity rules for the design of new vehicles and the management of end-of-life vehicles .
The directive, the result of an agreement reached by the Parliament and the Council at the end of 2025, was approved by 437 votes in favor, 112 against, and 20 abstentions.
Under the new rules, all new vehicles will have to be designed to allow for the easy removal of as many parts and components as possible.
The plastics used in each new vehicle type will have to contain at least 15% recycled plastic within six years and 25% within ten years.
At least 20% of this recycled plastic must come from materials recovered from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) or used parts (so-called “closed loop”).
Based on feasibility studies, the Commission may also introduce targets for other materials in the future, such as recycled steel, aluminum, magnesium, and critical raw materials.
When selling a used vehicle, businesses (and not private individuals) will be required to prove that the vehicle is not inoperative or present a valid inspection certificate.
To avoid unnecessary burdens for individuals, transactions between private individuals will require only one of these two documents if the vehicle has been declared a total loss or if the sale is taking place exclusively through an online platform.
Three years after the new rules enter into force, an extended producer responsibility scheme will be introduced, requiring producers to cover the costs of collecting and treating end-of-life vehicles anywhere in the EU.
To address the problem of “missing vehicles” and prevent illegal treatment and dismantling, the law prohibits the export of vehicles declared unfit for road use. This measure will apply five years after the regulation enters into force.
Co-rapporteurs Jens Gieseke (EPP, Germany) of the Environment Committee and Paulius Saudargas (EPP, Lithuania) of the Internal Market Committee said: “We are taking important steps to support the automotive sector’s transition to a circular economy. We are strengthening resource security, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainability. To avoid overburdening the sector, the new rules will introduce realistic targets, less administrative burden, and fairer competition.”
After Parliament’s approval, the new regulation will need to be formally approved by the Council before entering into force and applying 24 months later.
On July 13, 2023, the Commission presented a legislative proposal on circular vehicle design requirements and improved end-of-life vehicle management, in line with the objectives of the Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan.
In 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were produced in the EU, while 12.4 million were registered.
There are 285.6 million motor vehicles on EU roads, and approximately 6.5 million vehicles reach the end of their life cycle every year.
– photo IPA Agency –
GNA/ITALPRESS