The European automotive sector enters a new phase: the EU Parliament has approved the regulation which effectively introduces the circular economy into the automotive world.
The text, adopted on 18 June 2026, now awaits the formal green light from the Council of the European Union before entering into force, expected with a subsequent application period of 24 months. The measure intervenes on several fronts: vehicle design, use of recycled materials, end-of-life management of cars and traceability through digital tools.
More recycled plastic in cars
One of the central points of the regulation concerns the mandatory use of recycled plastic in new vehicles placed on the European market.
Within six years of the rules coming into force, cars will have to contain at least 15% recycled plastic. The target will rise to 25% within ten years.
A specific share of this material must come directly from end-of-life vehicles or from components already used: at least 20% of the recycled plastic used in new vehicles.
The goal is to strengthen a material recovery model closer to a closed-loop system, reducing dependence on new raw materials.
Controls for operators
The European regulation also introduces new rules for the purchase and sale of vehicles, with differences between professional and private operators.
For companies, in the event of a sale, it will be necessary to demonstrate that the vehicle is not out of use or to present a valid inspection certificate.
For private citizens the rules are simpler: just show one of the two documents required if the car has been classified as a “total economic loss” or if the sale is made through a website.
Stop the export of unroadworthy vehicles
One of the most relevant measures concerns the ban on the export of vehicles declared unfit for circulation.
The rule will come into force five years after the regulation comes into force and aims to combat illegal dismantling and the phenomenon of so-called “missing vehicles”.
The aim is to reduce untracked export practices which often lead to non-compliant treatment of end-of-life vehicles.
Responsibility of producers
Three years after the entry into force of the regulation, the extended producer responsibility regime will be operational.
Car manufacturers will have to cover the costs of collecting and treating end-of-life vehicles across the European Union.
The digital vehicle passport arrives
Six years after the entry into force of the rules, every vehicle placed on the market will have to be equipped with a digital circularity passport. The document will be interoperable and, when possible, integrated with other existing environmental passports.
An official spare parts catalog will also be included among the mandatory information, with the aim of facilitating the reuse of components and improving transparency throughout the entire life cycle of the vehicle.
More public data on registrations and scrappages
The regulation also provides for new transparency obligations for Member States.
Three years after entry into force, EU countries will have to make available annual aggregate data on:
- number of registered vehicles;
- vehicles placed on the market for the first time;
- end-of-life vehicles collected and treated;
- scrapping certificates issued.
The data must be provided according to the format established by the European Commission and based on the information transmitted by producers and operators in the sector.
