EU adopts End‑of‑Life Vehicle Regulation to boost part regeneration

The European Union has adopted a new End‑of‑Life Vehicle Regulation (ELVR), published in the Official Journal on 24 July 2026. The regulation replaces earlier directives and sets a comprehensive framework for the design, dismantling, reuse, regeneration and recycling of vehicles and their components. It will become operational on 13 August 2026, with many obligations applying from 1 September 2028 and phased implementation thereafter.

Key provisions require new vehicles to contain minimum recycled‑material content – at least 15 % from 1 September 2032 and 25 % from 1 September 2036 – with at least 20 % of that recycled content sourced from components recovered from end‑of‑life vehicles. The rule also bans the export of end‑of‑life vehicles, mandates processing in authorised facilities, and expands the extended producer responsibility system across the EU. Regenerated parts such as alternators, starters, turbochargers and brake calipers must be treated as products rather than waste, facilitating their reuse in the market. Polish firms are highlighted as directly affected, as components suitable for regeneration will no longer be classified as waste under the new law.