A further step towards the ELV Regulation

The Council of the European Union has adopted its general approach on the proposed regulation revising the legal framework for circular vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). The proposal, which will replace Directives 2000/53/EC and 2005/64/EC, aims to integrate circular economy principles into the automotive sector, with a particular focus on chemical substances and minimum recycled material content.

Key elements of the proposed regulation include:

• Broadened scope: The regulation will apply to vehicle categories M1, M2, M3, N1, N2, N3, O, and L1e through L7e.
• Restrictions on hazardous substances: The regulation confirms existing bans on lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium, and introduces a procedure for reviewing exemptions in line with scientific progress. Restrictions on other substances will remain under the scope of the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006), ensuring consistency with EU chemicals legislation.
• Obligations on recycled plastic content: New vehicles will be required to contain increasing shares of post-consumer recycled plastic—at least 15% within six years, 20% after eight years and 25% after ten years from the date of entry into force. A portion of this content must specifically come from end-of-life vehicles.
• Provisions for steel, aluminium and rare earth elements: The Commission will be empowered to set minimum targets, through delegated acts, for the use of recycled steel, aluminium, magnesium and critical raw materials such as neodymium, dysprosium, nickel, cobalt and boron.
• Environmental safeguards for recycling supply chains: Recycled materials may also originate from non-EU countries, provided that the production facilities are subject to audits conducted by independent third parties.
• Design obligations: Manufacturers will be required to ensure the easy removal of components containing hazardous substances, as well as of batteries and electric motors.
• Digital circularity passport: Producers must include in the digital product passport information on restricted substances, the share of recycled content, circularity strategies, and references to the spare parts catalogue.

This regulatory package is a component of the European Green Deal, designed to mitigate the environmental impact of the automotive sector throughout the entire vehicle life cycle. The implications of this regulation will be evident in the management of chemicals, the selection of materials, and the disposal of waste.

The Council is now ready to begin negotiations with the European Parliament, once the latter adopts its position. These discussions represent the final steps toward the adoption of the new regulation, expected by late 2025 or early 2026.

For companies across the automotive value chain - from manufacturers to component suppliers - readiness will be key to ensuring traceability of substances, compliance of recycled materials and fulfilment of the new obligations throughout the supply chain.

Normachem supports companies in meeting these requirements, providing specialised consultancy in REACH compliance, waste management and product sustainability.