EU adopts strict vehicle regulation banning resale of total‑loss cars

The European Parliament approved a new regulation that overhauls how old and severely damaged vehicles are sold, dismantled and recycled across the EU. Vehicles declared total‑loss for technical reasons must be removed from the second‑hand market and handed over to authorised treatment facilities; those classified as economic total‑loss can be sold only with documentation proving they are safe to drive.

The law also places new duties on car manufacturers, requiring at least 15 % recycled material in new vehicles by 2032 and 25 % by 2036, and making them financially responsible for the collection and eco‑friendly disposal of end‑of‑life cars. Export of non‑roadworthy vehicles will be prohibited after five years, and dealers must provide valid technical inspection certificates for each used car sold online or through professional channels. Most provisions will start to apply two years after formal adoption, with full implementation in the coming years.