图片名称

EU releases new ELV regulations: Automakers enter a new era of "full lifecycle cycle" compliance

Author.

LCS

Source:

Post time:

2026-08-27

With the official publication of the Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 on Vehicle Cycle Design Requirements and Scrap Vehicle Management in the EU Official Gazette, the regulatory logic of the European automotive industry has undergone a fundamental change. This new regulation officially replaces the old ELV Directive (2000/53/EC) and 3R Type Approval Directive that have been in use for over 20 years.


 

The regulation came into effect in August 2026 and set a transition period until September 1, 2028.


 

Core Change: Regulatory Scope and "Hard Constraints" on Recycled Materials

The most notable change in this regulatory update is the mandatory requirement for the proportion of recycled materials used, which directly forces car companies to restructure their supply chains.


 

Mandatory target for recycled plastics: According to regulations, the proportion of post consumer plastic in the plastic composition of new cars needs to be gradually increased. By 2032, this proportion shall not be less than 15%; By 2036, this threshold will be further raised to 25%.


 

Closed loop recycling requirements: It is worth noting that 20% of the above-mentioned recycled plastic quotas must come from the recycling of scrapped vehicles or dismantled parts, and car companies must establish an internal closed loop of "scrapping recycling remanufacturing".


 

Expanded coverage: The controlled objects are no longer limited to traditional passenger cars (M1) and light trucks (N1). In the future, more vehicle models will be included in the scope of circular design and management through phased implementation.


 

Hazardous substance control: adopting multiple methods and coordinating governance

In terms of chemical safety, the new regulations adopt a strategy of "stock continuation+incremental linkage":


 

Heavy metal red line: Continue to strictly control the use of lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium (≤ 0.1%), and cadmium (≤ 0.01%).

Regulatory synergy: Strengthen the linkage with REACH and POPs regulations to ensure that vehicle materials comply with the highest chemical safety standards in the European Union.

Battery regulation integration: Through the revision of attachments, the restrictions on harmful substances in vehicle batteries are deeply integrated with the EU Battery Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to achieve unified compliance.


 

Moving towards the era of 'digital circulation'

In addition to material and substance control, the new regulations also introduce multiple forward-looking requirements, including:


 

Easy disassembly design: It is mandatory for batteries and electric drive systems to have better disassembly convenience.

Digital Circular Vehicle Passport (DCVP): Introducing digital means to achieve transparency and traceability of vehicle lifecycle data.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Further strengthen the recycling and disposal responsibilities of producers.


 

Industry Insights

The game logic of the automotive market is being restructured - the simple advantage of "price+performance" is no longer sufficient to support the long-term competitiveness of enterprises, and "circular sustainability" and "carbon footprint management" are becoming new entry barriers.


 

Faced with the comprehensive compliance deadline of September 2028, vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers must be wary of the "time window" trap. Enterprises should start three core tasks now: first, to reconstruct the supply chain traceability system for recycled plastics; The second is to conduct a comprehensive compliance investigation of harmful substances; The third is to establish a product research and development strategy that conforms to the design orientation of circular economy. It is recommended that relevant enterprises seek professional regulatory compliance services as soon as possible to cope with this profound industrial paradigm shift.

Media Center

Latest News

Contact Us

图片名称
图片名称

National 24-hour service hotline

400-116-2629

Group Headquarters

Cell phone:18126505465

E-mail: webmaster@lcs-cert.com

Address: Shenzhen City, Baoan District, Shajing Street, Nga side of the school of Wei Juji Industrial Park, Building A 1 ~ 2 floor, Building C 3 floor