EU moves to ban waste exports to non-OECD nations, including aluminium scrap

The European Union is preparing a sweeping ban on waste exports to countries outside the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a move that would also cover aluminium scrap. The decision, announced on Friday by the office of EU industry chief Stephane Sejourne, marks a significant shift in the bloc's approach to managing its waste streams.

Initially, the European Commission had been expected to unveil trade-related measures on September 23 aimed at curbing aluminium scrap exports. However, internal assessments revealed that such trade instruments would only address roughly half of the scrap export volume. This limitation prompted Sejourne to withdraw that proposal entirely.

Instead, the EU executive is now working on a delegated act under the existing Waste Shipment Regulation. This new legal instrument is designed to prohibit the export of waste—including aluminium scrap—to non-OECD countries. The ban would make an exception for certain EU candidate countries, allowing continued shipments to those nations.

The move underscores the EU's tightening stance on environmental standards and its desire to retain valuable recyclable materials within its own economy. By shifting from trade policy to a regulatory framework, the bloc aims to close loopholes and ensure more comprehensive oversight of its waste exports.