On 18 June 2026, the European Parliament adopted new EU rules aimed at making the automotive sector more sustainable and circular, covering the entire vehicle lifecycle from design to end-of-life treatment. The approved text will be available here.

The regulation introduces binding targets for recycled materials, including a requirement that new vehicles must contain at least 15% recycled plastic within six years and 25% within ten years. A portion of this must originate from closed-loop recycling of end-of-life vehicles.

Manufacturers will also be subject to extended producer responsibility (EPR), requiring them to cover the collection and treatment of end-of-life vehicles across the EU. The rules aim to strengthen circularity and reduce environmental impacts.

Additional measures include a ban on exporting non-roadworthy vehicles, as well as requirements for easier dismantling and reuse of components, supporting resource efficiency.