Source: Argus Media
The European Commission has proposed excluding several major ferrous scrap-consuming countries from receiving EU material once new waste export restrictions take effect in May 2027, a move that could reshape global scrap trade flows. On 18 September, the Commission published a draft list of non-OECD countries authorised to receive specified non-hazardous waste.
Although 32 countries requested continued access, the draft would exclude major ferrous scrap importers including Egypt, Morocco, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan from receiving the relevant material. Interested parties have until 16 October to comment. EU ferrous scrap flows to some of the affected markets have risen sharply in recent years; Egypt, for example, imported 1.86mn tonnes in 2025 and 947,000 tonnes in January-July 2026, up 34% year on year.
The restrictions stem from the EU's Waste Shipment Regulation adopted in 2024. Under the new regime, non-OECD countries must demonstrate that individual waste streams can be managed in an environmentally sound manner to retain access to EU supply. Recycling Europe, the European recyclers' association, warned that the proposal could effectively close key non-OECD Asian markets to EU recycled metals.
