EU Plans Broader Aluminium Scrap Export Restrictions on Non-OECD Countries

According to industry reports, the European Union is preparing broader restrictions on aluminium scrap exports to non-OECD countries, a move that could alter established recycling trade flows between Europe and major Asian markets including China and India. The European Commission is considering measures under the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) after deciding that an earlier trade-based proposal would have covered only part of the bloc’s scrap exports.

According to an official statement from the cabinet of European Commission Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, the Commission decided to withdraw the earlier proposal and examine a measure independent of trade instruments. The new approach would take the form of a delegated act under the WSR.

Internal discussions reportedly found that the original instrument could cover only about half of the relevant scrap exports. Under the broader WSR approach, the proposed rules would prohibit exports of waste, including aluminium scrap, to non-OECD countries, with an exception for certain EU candidate countries.

The potential restrictions are significant for European aluminium recyclers and overseas buyers because scrap is an important secondary raw material for aluminium production. Using recycled aluminium generally requires less energy than producing primary metal, making reliable scrap supply an important consideration for producers seeking to reduce energy use and emissions.

China and India are among the largest destinations for EU aluminium scrap exports. In the first half of 2026, the EU exported 674,337 tonnes of aluminium scrap worldwide, with 189,773 tonnes shipped to China, representing 28.14% of total exports. India received a further 166,434 tonnes, accounting for 24.68%.

The proposed rules could therefore affect established supply chains linking European scrap suppliers with Asian recyclers and processors. For EU producers and recyclers, tighter export controls could increase the availability of secondary aluminium within the bloc, while overseas buyers may need to adjust sourcing strategies if the restrictions are adopted.

The European Commission is expected to put the proposal out for public consultation before moving toward adoption by the end of 2026. The final scope and implementation details remain subject to the regulatory process.

Source: EU Today

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Proposed EU restrictions on aluminium scrap exports to non-OECD countries could redirect a significant share of European secondary-metal supply toward domestic recycling markets.