BIR calls on EU to reconsider recycled metal export restrictions
The current proposal would restrict exports of ferrous and non-ferrous recycled materials from the EU to non-OECD countries
The Bureau of Recycling (BIR) has called on the European Commission to reconsider proposed restrictions on exports of recycled metals to major non-OECD markets and to extend its consultation by four weeks, giving affected countries and territories more time to address the Commission's findings and provide additional evidence.
BIR has submitted its official response to the European Commission's consultation on the draft list of non-OECD countries authorized to import certain non-hazardous waste from the EU under the Waste Shipment Regulation.
Countries not a part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development would face interruptions in their supply chains
Under the Commission's current proposal, it would exclude several major non-OECD markets as destinations for exports of ferrous and non-ferrous recycled metals from the EU. BIR is calling for a reassessment of the proposed restrictions and of the evidence and legal reasoning underpinning them.
Crucially, BIR has also requested a four-week extension of the consultation period, to at least eight weeks, with a deadline no earlier than November 13, 2026. The additional time would allow affected countries and territories to coordinate with ministries, regulators, and facilities, respond to the Commission's findings and submit supplementary evidence before the final list of authorized destinations is established.
BIR fully supports the objective of ensuring that exported materials are managed in an environmentally sound manner. At the same time, the world recycling organization warns that the proposed restrictions could disrupt established recycling supply chains, distort markets and restrict access to recycled metals in importing countries.
European recyclers already supply the majority of their recycled metal output to European industry. International markets remain essential when European demand or technically suitable treatment capacity cannot absorb the grades and volumes available.
Restricting access to established international markets therefore does not, in itself, create additional recycling capacity or demand within Europe. Instead, BIR is concerned that restrictions could weaken the economic conditions that underpin collection and recycling and, ultimately, the future availability of recycled materials.
