Restrictions on the export of scrap metal from the European Union to a number of countries outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from next year may lead to a noticeable restructuring of the supply chains of secondary ferrous metals, sources said on Tuesday, September 22.
The European Commission previously published a draft list of non-OECD countries that will be allowed to continue importing scrap metal of European origin classified as waste from May 21, 2027 in accordance with the updated Waste Transportation Regulations (WSR).
In February 2025, 24 non-OECD countries applied to retain imports of non-hazardous waste from the EU under the new rules. The updated regulation came into force in May 2026, and export restrictions to non-OECD countries were postponed for another year.
The list of approved countries includes, in particular, Ukraine, Moldova and North Macedonia, but most of the applicants were rejected, according to the draft. The European Commission said that countries had to prove that imported waste would be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
The proposed list will be publicly discussed until October 16, and its final adoption is still scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
According to sources, the published draft caused nervousness in the key markets for the import of ferrous scrap. In its current form, it may actually close large sales markets for European steel scrap, including India, Pakistan and Egypt.
One of the ways that processors can use to avoid the restrictions of the WSR is to ensure that the material is not classified as waste, but received the status of an end product of waste recycling (EOW) based on the results of an audit conducted by an EU accredited specialist. In this case, scrap can be more freely traded on the market.
However, it is not yet known how many recycling plants throughout the EU have already received EOW status and in what volumes they are able to produce scrap.
Murat Bayram, president of the German-based association of round metal manufacturers CMA, called restrictions on the export of recycled metals the wrong decision.
"The introduction of such measures through waste legislation does not improve the situation," he said on Tuesday. "Those who close international markets do not create additional demand or greater competitiveness in Europe."
"If European metal producers do not purchase affordable volumes, sales markets will disappear, the cost of materials will be under pressure, and the surplus will grow," Bayram added.
Sebastian Will, Deputy Chairman of the German metal Recycling industry Association BVSE, also called for