The European Union is set to introduce tighter controls on imported plastics under a new policy initiative slated for early 2026, responding to mounting pressures on the domestic recycling sector and broader circular economy objectives.

Under the proposed measures, the European Commission will enact legal changes to strengthen documentation requirements and enhance customs tracking for imported recycled plastics. These changes aim to improve traceability and ensure that material entering the EU market genuinely meets recycled-content claims.

One key component of the plan is the introduction of separate customs codes for recycled plastics and virgin plastics, allowing authorities to monitor and distinguish trade flows more accurately. The EU will also expand audits of recycling facilities—including those outside Europe—and provide support to laboratories to verify the authenticity of imported recycled plastics.

The move is framed as part of a broader effort to shore up Europe’s plastics recycling industry, which has experienced significant capacity losses in 2025 due to high energy costs and competition from low-priced imports. Mislabelled virgin plastics—as recycled material—have undercut EU recyclers and contributed to market instability. ESG News

To reinforce oversight, the Commission will establish an import surveillance task force to monitor plastics imports throughout 2026 and assess whether additional trade measures, including duties or restrictions, are necessary. The EU has already imposed anti-dumping duties on certain Chinese PET plastics, citing unfair pricing pressures that forced EU producers to operate at a loss.

The measures come amid political pressure from member states such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands, which have called for stronger action against low-quality imported plastics that threaten domestic recycling capacity. The Commission’s approach reflects a strategic effort to balance trade, environmental integrity, and industry resilience as Europe advances its circular economy agenda.