EU may restrict waste exports including metals scrap to non-OECD countries

EU exports of waste, including metals scrap, to non-OECD countries may be restricted in a move to create a robust and integrated market for secondary raw materials, in line with the concepts of a circular economy, the European Commission said Nov. 17.

That is geared to help the EU meet its so-called 'Fit for 55' package of legislative proposals to reduce greenhouse emissions by 55% by 2030, as compared to 1990 levels, the EC said.

Under a proposed revised legislation on waste shipments including steel and non-ferrous scrap, EU scrap metal exports to third countries will be allowable only if they can manage these sustainably, the EC said in a formal communication on the subject to the European Parliament, European Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and Committee of the Regions.

Under the proposal, all EU companies that export waste outside the bloc should ensure that the facilities receiving their waste are subject to an independent audit showing they manage the waste in an environmentally sound manner.

"The EC will rely on audits to be conducted in third countries," EC Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said at a news conference on the proposed revision.

As well as laying down stricter rules on the export of waste to non-OECD countries, the proposals should improve monitoring and enforcement of rules on waste exports to OECD countries, the EC said.

The new directive will require collaboration between EU member states and will cover exports of waste paper, plastics, glass, textiles and wood as well as metals, it said.

Largest ferrous scrap exporter

The EU is the world's largest exporter of ferrous scrap, the use of which can assist in the decarbonization of steel production.

The region exported 17.4 million mt of steel scrap in 2020, as well as 1.6 million mt of copper, aluminum and nickel scrap and 0.1 million mt of precious metals scrap, the EC said.

The new proposal falls short of a strict or even blanket export ban on certain types of steel and metals scrap which had been feared by some trade quarters and which could possibly have distorted trade.

According to the proposal, the new regulations should be of unlimited duration and should be implemented with a start-up period from 2024 to 2027, followed by full-scale operation, and will be directly managed by the EC.