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EU moves to curb scrap exports to non-OECD countries: what it could mean for UK yards and buyers

ScrapBays7 October 2026 — 2 min read

Summary

Brussels wants to keep more scrap in Europe. UK yards sit outside the EU's rules, so the outcome could shift where scrap flows and who buys it.

What's happened

On 18 September the European Commission published a draft list of non-OECD countries authorised to receive non-hazardous waste from the EU under its revised Waste Shipment Regulation. Metals face "particular scrutiny", and countries are only authorised where they can show safeguards on emissions, permitting, treatment and residue management.

According to the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), 24 countries and territories applied to import metal waste. Only five are proposed for authorisation for certain metals: Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine. Sixteen others, including Egypt, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are proposed for non-metal streams only. Authorisation isn't blanket. Countries can only receive the specific waste streams and codes listed for them.

Key dates

  • 9 October: BIR's deadline for member feedback.
  • 16 October: Public consultation closes.
  • 21 November: The Commission's deadline to adopt the final list.
  • 21 May 2027: Restrictions take effect. After that date, only authorised destinations and streams are permitted.

Why it matters for the UK

The UK is not covered by these EU rules. One report says Britain shipped roughly 7.5 million tonnes of ferrous scrap last year and describes it as the natural first alternative supplier for affected importers. If EU material can no longer reach those buyers, UK-sourced material could see more demand from them. Prices are uncertain, though, because the same restrictions could also reshape trade flows in ways nobody can yet predict.

What it means for yards and buyers

Nothing changes overnight. The restrictions only apply from 21 May 2027, and the list can still change before it's finalised. BIR notes that feedback "may be used to amend the final list". There is still time to act, though, and some practical things to do now:

  • Check your destinations. If you export, look at whether your key markets are on the draft list and whether the waste codes you ship match the streams listed for them. Being authorised for some waste isn't the same as being authorised for metals.
  • Have your say. BIR is collecting member examples until 9 October and plans a consolidated industry response. The public consultation closes on 16 October.
  • Watch for enquiries. If importers start looking for alternatives to EU supply, UK yards could see more export enquiries. Know your volumes and be ready to quote.
  • Keep an eye on pricing. More demand for UK material could support prices, but it's too early to say. Treat any gain as a possibility, not a given, until the final list is adopted in November.

Sources: BIR member update: Commission publishes draft list (22 Sept) · BIR urges recyclers to respond (SteelOrbis, 24 Sept) · Europe moves to retain scrap (The Middle East Observer, 3 Oct)