Why is the European Commission introducing new rules for plastic imports?

The EU is introducing new rules to protect its struggling recycling industry from cheap, often mislabeled, plastic imports and high energy costs.

What specific measures will the European Commission take regarding plastic imports?

The Commission will propose stricter documentation, separate customs codes for recycled and virgin plastics, and EU audits of recycling plants.

What challenges does Europe's plastics recycling industry currently face?

The industry faces competition from low-cost imports, high energy costs, and the mislabeling of virgin plastic as recycled material, leading to plant closures.

Home / Business and Economy / EU Cracks Down on Plastic Imports to Aid Recyclers

EU Cracks Down on Plastic Imports to Aid Recyclers

23 Dec

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Summary

EU to implement stricter documentation for recycled plastic imports.
New customs codes will distinguish between recycled and virgin plastics.
EU audits will verify recycling plants both inside and outside Europe.

EU Cracks Down on Plastic Imports to Aid Recyclers

The European Union is set to implement tougher regulations on plastic imports, aiming to bolster its domestic recycling sector. Europe's plastics recycling industry has experienced unprecedented capacity loss as cheap imports, frequently mislabeled as recycled materials, disrupt the market and drive plant closures. Low energy prices for virgin plastic, derived from fossil fuels, exacerbate this challenge.

In response, the European Commission announced plans for legal changes in the first half of 2026. These will mandate more rigorous documentation for imported recycled plastics and introduce distinct customs codes for recycled versus virgin materials. This aims to enhance traceability and prevent unfair competition, which has burdened local recyclers.

Further measures include EU-led audits of recycling facilities, both within and outside the bloc, and financial support for laboratories conducting authenticity checks on recycled plastic shipments. An import surveillance task force will monitor these imports throughout 2026, while the EU also considers trade measures to protect its industry.