Changes from plenary report to adopted text

RemovedEXPLANATORY STATEMENT

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs welcome the commission proposal aiming to support the transition of the automotive sector to a circular economy by establishing requirements for vehicle design, promoting the use of recycled materials, improving end-of-life vehicle management. The rapporteurs also support the harmonisation of the relevant type-approval conditions thus ensuring the level playing field for manufacturers and other economic operators by creating uniform requirements for placing vehicles on the EU market.

RemovedThe proposed amendments aim to improve the clarity and consistency of the proposal, remove unnecessary administrative burden for economic operators while maintaining achievable ambition and improving harmonisation objectives. The proposal also seeks to address issues with the export of used vehicles and to create a more harmonised and efficient single market for vehicles.

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs consider that it is essential to ensure that the revision aligns with the EU’s objectives for a circular economy, environmental sustainability, resource efficiency and contributes to the sector competitiveness. A key priority is to ensure that the valuable raw materials contained in end-of-life vehicles, such as steel, aluminium, copper, and plastics, are retained and recycled within Europe. Tackling the issue of "missed vehicles"—those that are not properly deregistered or processed through authorized recycling systems—is critical in achieving this goal and preventing resource leakage or environmental harm.

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs emphasize that establishing clear targets provides the automotive industry with much needed clarity and guidance towards circularity, helps to reduce dependencies on raw material and lower the automotive sector carbon footprint. However, the Co-Rapporteurs caution against setting overly ambitious targets that the industry struggles to meet due to material shortages or technological limitations.

RemovedTo ensure that the targets are reasonable and realistic, the Co-Rapporteurs propose adapting them in accordance with what is feasible for the industry. As a result, the Co-Rapporteurs propose that vehicle should contain 20% of plastic recycled content from both, pre-consumer and post-consumer plastic waste, including bio-based plastic. 15% of this recycled content target for plastics should be achieved by including plastics recycled from end-of-life vehicles. The methodology for calculating the recycled plastic content target should consider the best available recycling technology. The report stresses that the feasibility of the plastic targets should be reviewed according to an impact assessment based on technology, availability and quality of recycled plastic.

RemovedSimplification and clarity are crucial to reducing administrative burden while maintaining high environmental and sustainability standards. The changes made by the Co-Rapporteurs aim to streamline the regulatory framework without compromising its effectiveness. Therefore, unnecessary reporting obligations, such as the circularity strategy for each vehicle type, shall be limited to reasonable requirements.

RemovedAdditionally the Co-Rapporteurs propose better alignment with other legislation such as Critical Raw Materials Regulation, ESPR or Batteries Regulation. It also suggests removing some excessive requirements potentially creating an unnecessary burden for companies and authorities.

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs support the implementation of clear and harmonized rules, which will provide stakeholders with the certainty needed to apply the rules effectively. In this context, alignment with relevant UN regulations is vital to ensure a coherent global approach and to facilitate cross-border trade and compliance.

RemovedFurthermore, the Co-Rapporteurs underscores the importance of ensuring the high quality of recycled materials, particularly steel, aluminium, and copper scrap. However, this must be achieved by reducing the target for the close loop or by not imposing excessive regulations on recyclers, as overly prescriptive rules could hinder innovation and efficiency in recycling processes:

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs also emphasize that parts and components should only be removed from end-of-life vehicles when a viable market for their recycling, reuse, or refurbishment exists. This approach ensures that dismantling efforts are focused on areas with real environmental and economic benefits, avoiding unnecessary interventions that do not support circular economy goals.

RemovedThe Co-Rapporteurs strengthened the harmonization objectives, particularly regarding conditions for export. While the rapporteurs support the notion that end-of-life vehicles should not be exported to third countries, they also emphasize that roadworthiness criteria should be aligned among the Member States. It was also necessary to clarify that the commerce of used vehicles within the EU should not be further complicated.