EU Strengthens Plastic Waste Export Rules: New Quality Standards for 2025

The European Commission has announced comprehensive new regulations for plastic waste exports that will take effect in March 2025, marking a significant shift in how recycled materials are traded across international borders.

These updated regulations focus primarily on contamination levels and material purity, requiring exporters to meet stringent quality standards before shipping recycled plastics to non-EU countries. The new framework aims to ensure that European recycled materials maintain the highest standards globally.

Key Changes Include:

• Maximum contamination levels reduced from 2% to 0.5% for most plastic types
• Enhanced documentation requirements for material origin and processing methods
• Mandatory third-party quality certifications for export shipments
• Digital traceability systems to track materials from collection to export

For companies like SARAIVA PLÁSTICOS, these regulations represent both a challenge and an opportunity. While compliance requirements are more stringent, the new standards will help differentiate high-quality European recyclers in global markets.

"These regulations align perfectly with our commitment to producing premium recycled materials," notes the industry analysis. "Companies that have already invested in advanced sorting and cleaning technologies will find themselves at a significant competitive advantage."

The implementation timeline allows for a six-month transition period, during which existing contracts will remain valid while new quality standards are gradually phased in.