EU sets stricter rules for used‑car imports and commercial vehicle tracking

The European Parliament adopted new legislation that separates technical total loss from economic total loss for used vehicles. Cars deemed technically beyond repair will no longer be registered or sold as second‑hand vehicles and must be recycled or dismantled, stopping the practice of exporting severely damaged cars to other markets. Vehicles classified only as economic total loss may still be sold after repair, provided safety documentation is supplied. The rules are expected to take effect after a two‑year transition period.

From 1 July 2026, the EU will also require all light commercial vehicles and vans with a maximum permissible mass of 2.5–3.5 tonnes that operate in international transport or cabotage for remuneration to be equipped with second‑generation smart tachographs (G2V2). These devices will record border crossings, loading and unloading points, and driver activity. Exemptions remain for vehicles used primarily on construction sites within a 100‑km radius and for non‑commercial private use.