BIR Urges Evidence-Based Approach to EU Aluminium Export Rules

BIR urges evidence-based decisions as EU prepares new recycled aluminium export rules.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has expressed apprehension over the EU’s upcoming trade proposal targeting recycled aluminium exports, emphasising the need for transparent, data-driven and proportionate action aligned with global recycling dynamics.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has raised strong concerns following last week’s announcement by European Commission Executive Vice-President for Trade, Maroš Šefčovič, regarding the initiation of preparatory work on a new trade measure aimed at restricting recycled aluminium exports from the European Union. A formal legislative proposal is anticipated in spring 2026.

The Commission has stated that the objective of this measure is to “address the issue of aluminium scrap leakage” and safeguard affordable access to this strategically important secondary raw material for European industries. However, data from the Commission’s own monitoring mechanism for recycled material flows indicates no evidence of such “scrap leakage.” Current statistics do not validate this assumption and risk establishing a flawed foundation for upcoming policy decisions.

BIR welcomes the explicit acknowledgment of recycled aluminium as a critical resource for advancing Europe’s circular economy ambitions and decarbonisation targets. However, the organisation underscores that the global recycling sector plays a central role in ensuring the availability of high-quality recycled aluminium and depends on open, reliable, and equitable market access worldwide.

BIR therefore urges that any potential trade measure must be:

• Evidence-based, reflecting actual market behaviour rather than unverified concerns;
• Proportionate, ensuring it does not unintentionally hinder downstream industries or recycling operations;
• Balanced, considering the needs and contributions of every stakeholder in the aluminium value chain;
• Globally aligned, avoiding disruptions to international recycling flows that rely on Europe’s significant surplus of premium recycled aluminium.

BIR calls on the European Commission to remain steadfast in its commitment to consider “the interests of all actors” throughout the policy development process. The organisation will continue to represent the recycling industry, assist its members, and actively engage in the forthcoming public consultation and evidence-gathering exercise scheduled for later this year.

BIR reaffirms its readiness to contribute its technical expertise, industry data, and global insights to ensure that any future measure reinforces—rather than weakens—Europe’s circular economy and the wider international recycling ecosystem.