EU Commission weighs delegated act to widen recycled-material export curbs

The European Commission is preparing a delegated act to further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries, according to a statement from Commissioner Stephane Sejourne's cabinet reported by the Bureau of International Recycling. The move follows the Commission's decision to drop a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction, and a public consultation is expected before adoption envisaged by end-2026. The scope of waste streams, destinations and any exceptions is not yet defined.

Why this mattersTighter export limits on recycled feedstock would affect availability and pricing of recycled content for packaging producers required to meet EU recycled-content mandates.

• A delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation would further restrict exports of recycled materials to non-OECD countries.
• The Commission dropped a planned aluminium-scrap-specific export restriction earlier in the week of 14 September 2026.
• A public consultation is expected ahead of adoption, envisaged by the end of 2026.
• The revised Waste Shipment Regulation, in force since May 2024, already bars non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries from 21 May 2027 unless the destination is authorised.
• The first list of authorised non-OECD destination countries is due by 21 November 2026.
• Details of targeted waste streams, destinations, exceptions and application date are not yet public, per BIR.

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