European Commission draft list of non-OECD countries risks cutting major Asian markets off from EU recycled metals and disrupting global circular supply chains.
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has issued a statement warning that the European Commission’s draft delegated act under the EU Waste Shipment Regulation, which establishes a draft list of non-OECD countries authorised to receive certain non-hazardous waste from the EU could seriously disrupt global recycling markets. Published on 18 September, the draft excludes major Asian destinations, including India, Malaysia and Thailand, from authorisations for ferrous and non-ferrous metal waste for recovery.
BIR cautions that restricting exports would not automatically create the European demand or processing capacity needed to absorb the affected grades and volumes. Instead, it could depress recycled material prices, weaken collection incentives and undermine the investment needed to maintain future supplies.
Metals retain their intrinsic properties through successive recycling cycles. International trade connects different grades of these valuable materials with the facilities and markets able to keep them in productive use. For aluminium in particular, European supply, demand and processing capabilities do not necessarily match every grade.
Earlier this year, in its response to the European Commission’s consultation on EU aluminium scrap availability, BIR stressed that Europe generates more recycled aluminium than its domestic facilities can technically absorb. The same concern is central to the Commission’s current proposal.
BIR recognises the Commission’s objective of ensuring environmentally sound management. However, any restrictions must be proportionate, grounded in robust evidence and developed through meaningful engagement with affected recycling industries, associations and governments, particularly in non-OECD countries.
BIR calls on stakeholders to act before 16 October
The Commission’s public consultation remains open until 16 October 2026. BIR urges its members, industry associations, businesses and relevant governments to submit factual corrections, evidence and practical case studies showing whether the proposed country and waste-stream authorisations are appropriate.
BIR is preparing a consolidated industry response and remains ready to work with the European Commission, diplomatic missions and relevant authorities. Its objective is a legislative framework that protects the environment while preserving responsible recycling, resilient supply chains and free and fair trade in recycled materials.
Source: BIR – Bureau of International Recycling aisbl
