Brussels proposes restricting scrap metal exports to India and Egypt, citing a lack of environmental safeguards

The European Union is proposing to restrict exports of metal waste to India and Egypt after the two countries failed to demonstrate that they have sufficient controls to manage it in an environmentally sound manner. The measure could affect two of Europe’s most important scrap metal buyers.

In 2025, EU countries exported nearly 19 million tonnes of scrap metal, more than half of all recyclable raw materials sold outside the bloc. India imported more than 850,000 tonnes, while Egypt imported over 1.3 million tonnes.

According to the European Commission’s assessment, the authorities in the two countries did not provide sufficient evidence that waste originating in the EU is treated in an “environmentally sound” manner, including through effective controls to prevent pollution. Brussels will consult India and Egypt until 16 October on possible exemptions, while the final list of authorised countries is scheduled to be adopted in November.

Under the new European rules, exports of non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries will be banned from May 2027, except for countries granted a special derogation. India and Egypt could nevertheless continue to import paper, wood, rubber and textile waste. The decision comes after the Commission recently abandoned plans to introduce fees on aluminium waste exports.