News Details

The European Union’s new End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation entered into force on 13 August 2026, introducing a new regulatory framework for vehicle circularity and end-of-life management. Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 replaces the existing End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, introducing requirements that cover vehicle design, substances of concern, recycled content and information throughout the supply chain, as well as the treatment of end-of-life vehicles.

While most provisions will apply from 1 September 2028, certain provisions will apply from earlier dates. The existing End-of-Life Vehicles Directive will therefore remain largely applicable during the transition period.

Restrictions on Hazardous Substances

The Regulation retains the existing restrictions on the use of lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium in vehicles, parts and components. It does not change the restrictions or exemptions already in place under Directive 2000/53/EC.

Under Annex IV, maximum concentrations of up to 0.1% by weight in homogeneous material are tolerated for lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium, while the maximum concentration for cadmium is 0.01%. Specific exemptions continue to apply to certain materials, parts and components where alternatives are not considered adequate.

The Regulation also provides for the continued review of these exemptions, taking into account scientific and technical progress as well as the technical and economic feasibility of alternatives.

Substances of Concern

Beyond the existing restrictions, the Regulation introduces a broader focus on substances of concern. Vehicles should be designed and manufactured in a way that minimises the presence of these substances in materials, parts and components.

The European Commission, assisted by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), will prepare a report identifying substances of concern present in vehicles and assessing the extent to which they may hinder reuse and recycling or adversely affect human health or the environment. This report is expected by 14 February 2028.

Based on the findings, additional measures may be considered, including information requirements and restrictions. Restrictions on additional hazardous substances may be developed through the REACH restriction procedure, with support from ECHA and its scientific committees for the assessment.

ECHA may also be asked to assess the technical and economic feasibility of alternatives to substances covered by existing exemptions, and to support proposals to introduce, modify or remove these exemptions.

Circularity and Recycled Content

The Regulation introduces broader circularity requirements for vehicle manufacturers. New vehicle types will continue to be required to achieve minimum rates of 85% reusability or recyclability by mass and 95% reusability or recoverability by mass.

Manufacturers will also be required to prepare circularity strategies, describing how they intend to comply with applicable requirements. These strategies must include procedures for collecting relevant information throughout the supply chain, verifying information received from suppliers and responding to identified risks of non-compliance.

The Regulation also introduces requirements relating to recycled materials in new vehicles. Manufacturers will be required to declare the recycled content of specified materials, including plastics, steel, aluminium, magnesium, and certain materials used in permanent magnets, according to the applicable methodologies and timelines.

Key Timeline

• 13 August 2026: Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 entered into force.
• 14 September 2026: Certain provisions concerning the development of implementing and delegated measures begin to apply.
• 14 February 2028: A Commission report on substances of concern in vehicles, prepared with the assistance of ECHA, is due.
• 1 September 2028: Most provisions of the Regulation begin to apply.
• 1 September 2029: Manufacturers must provide specified information enabling the safe removal and replacement of vehicle parts, components and materials for new types of vehicles.