BIR Calls on European Commission to Reconsider Recycled Metal Export Restrictions

The recycling organisation seeks a four-week extension to the consultation period, requesting a deadline no earlier than 13 November 2026 to allow affected countries to submit additional evidence.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has called on the European Commission to reconsider proposed restrictions on exports of recycled metals to major non-OECD markets and extend its consultation period by four weeks. The organisation has requested additional time for affected countries and territories to respond to the Commission’s findings and provide supplementary evidence.

BIR has submitted its official response to the European Commission’s consultation on a draft list of non-OECD countries authorised to import certain non-hazardous waste from the European Union under the Waste Shipment Regulation.

BIR Seeks Reassessment of Proposed Export Restrictions

Under the Commission’s current proposal, several major non-OECD markets would be excluded as destinations for EU exports of ferrous and non-ferrous recycled metals. BIR is seeking a reassessment of the proposed restrictions, including the evidence and legal reasoning supporting them.

The organisation has also requested a four-week extension of the consultation period, bringing the total period to at least eight weeks. It has called for a deadline no earlier than 13 November 2026.

According to BIR, the additional time would enable affected countries and territories to coordinate with ministries, regulators and facilities, respond to the Commission’s findings and submit further evidence before the final list of authorised destinations is established.

Environmental Objectives and Recycling Supply Chains

BIR supports the objective of ensuring that exported materials are managed in an environmentally sound manner. However, the organisation has warned that the proposed restrictions could disrupt established recycling supply chains, distort markets and limit access to recycled metals in importing countries.

European recyclers already supply the majority of their recycled metal output to European industry. Nevertheless, international markets remain important when European demand or technically suitable treatment capacity cannot accommodate the available grades and volumes.

Concerns Over Recycling Capacity and Material Availability

BIR argues that restricting access to established international markets would not, by itself, generate additional recycling capacity or demand within Europe.

The organisation has raised concerns that the restrictions could weaken the economic conditions supporting the collection and recycling of materials. It also warned that these effects could ultimately affect the future availability of recycled materials.

BIR Builds on September Statement

The latest submission follows BIR’s official statement of 23 September 2026. The organisation has called on the European Commission to ensure that its final assessment considers the available evidence and provides affected countries with sufficient time to respond.