The EU has introduced another measure that will affect the automotive sector. As of 13 August 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 on circularity requirements for vehicle design and the management of end-of-life vehicles entered into force, with the aim of increasing circularity in the EU automotive sector. IKV Chairperson Dr. Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made an important statement on the matter:

“With the entry into force of the new Regulation, the circularity approach will be implemented more comprehensively in the automotive sector. Accordingly, it will no longer be sufficient to focus solely on waste management once vehicles reach the end of their life. The rules will apply throughout the entire vehicle life cycle, starting from the design and production stages and covering the use of recycled materials, the removability of parts and components, the sharing of technical information, extended producer responsibility and the export of used vehicles outside the EU. The Regulation replaces the previous directives concerning end-of-life vehicles and the recyclability and recoverability of vehicles. It introduces a circularity-based approach at every stage, starting from vehicle design, with a focus on the reuse and recycling of materials. The reuse of valuable materials contained in end-of-life vehicles, such as copper and rare elements, will also be strengthened. The Regulation will initially apply to M1 passenger cars and N1 light commercial vehicles, with its scope to be expanded over time. Its general provisions will apply from 1 September 2028.”

Chairperson Dr. Zeytinoğlu also highlighted the mandatory targets for recycled content in vehicle production:

“One of the most notable aspects of the new rules is the introduction of mandatory targets for recycled content in vehicle production. From 1 September 2032, at least 15% by weight of the plastic used in new vehicle types receiving type approval will have to consist of recycled post-consumer plastic waste. This proportion will increase to 25% from 1 September 2036. One of the most noteworthy provisions of the Regulation for Türkiye concerns the conditions applicable to recycled materials produced at facilities outside the EU. From 14 August 2030, recycled materials produced in third countries will only be counted towards the mandatory recycled content targets in the EU if the relevant facilities comply with the environmental, technical and traceability requirements laid down in the Regulation and are independently audited at least once every five years. In the case of plastic waste, the rules also envisage that materials should be sourced from countries with a comprehensive and environmentally sound waste management system, while taking into account practices such as extended producer responsibility and the polluter pays principle.”