EU Vehicle Circularity Regulation Sets Recycled Plastic And Passport Deadlines

Regulation (EU) 2026/1738, dated 8 July 2026, was published on 24 July and entered into force on 13 August. It generally applies from 1 September 2028, with certain provisions already applying in 2026 and other duties starting later.

The regulation establishes EU vehicle circularity rules. Although it has EEA relevance, EFTA’s legal-status record identifies incorporation into the EEA Agreement as under scrutiny; it does not establish an EEA-wide customs or implementation date.

Recycled Plastic Targets

For new vehicle types approved from 1 September 2032, at least 15% of plastic by weight must come from post-consumer plastic waste. The target rises to 25% for new types approved from 1 September 2036. At least 20% of each target must come from end-of-life vehicles or parts and components removed during use.

The calculation excludes tyre elastomers and thermosets other than polyurethane foams used for cushioning. From 14 August 2030, third-country installations are subject to specified criteria and audit requirements for their recycled material to count.

Passports And Producer Responsibility

From 1 September 2032, each in-scope vehicle placed on the market must have a Digital Circularity Vehicle Passport, subject to Article 2 exclusions. Unlike the recycled-plastic targets, this obligation is not limited to newly approved vehicle types.

The regulation’s new extended producer responsibility regime starts on 1 September 2029. It includes registration, collection and qualified free-delivery rules. Existing obligations under Directive 2000/53/EC remain subject to the regulation’s transitional provisions.

Article 59 establishes the different application dates, including early provisions in 2026. The general September 2028 date does not postpone every requirement until then.