Producer Responsibility – End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Review
The EU is currently progressing a draft Regulation concerning the type approval for, and management of end of life, vehicles. The aim of this proposed regulation is to facilitate the transition of the EU automotive sector from the linear to the circular economy. The UK Government recognises that the overall aim of the proposed Regulation broadly aligns with the aims set out for road vehicles in the 2023 DEFRA policy paper, “The waste prevention programme for England: Maximising Resources, Minimising Waste” and could contribute towards efforts in achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Type of Change
There is no change at present; however, a recent draft of the EU Regulation indicates what waste aspects of the Regulation will apply in Northern Ireland, once it comes into force. It is likely that DAERA will have to progress legislative change; however, it has not yet been determined whether that will be through the Assembly, or Westminster. The UK Government maintains the position that a future review of the current UK regulatory framework will be undertaken; however, without a specified timeframe, it is not known whether future UK Government change will align with the coming into force of the EU Regulation.
Affected Stakeholders
- Car manufacturers
- Car dealers
- Car dismantlers
- Scrap metal dealers
Changes
Should the relevant waste aspects of the EU Regulation apply in Northern Ireland, under the Windsor Framework, significant changes are expected in relation to:
- assessment of parts for reuse and remanufacturing;
- labelling of recovered parts for reuse;
- export of end of life vehicles;
- collection and reporting of data;
- inspections of treatment facilities.
In addition, a review of the current UK regulatory framework is expected in 2026/2027.
Status
The EU Regulation is currently at the trilogue stage and DAERA, and the UK Government maintain a watching brief on the progress of the proposed. A review of the current UK regulatory framework is expected in 2026/2027.
Expected Timeline
The EU Regulation is expected to come into force in 2026, with Member States (including NI) given a three-year implementation period. A review of the current UK regulatory framework is expected to commence in 2026/2027; however, this is resource dependent.