ECHA Starts ELV Substances of Concern Work

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has started work on substances of concern in vehicles under the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2026/1738.

On 17 August 2026, ECHA announced that it would support the European Commission in identifying substances of concern in vehicles. The work will assess how these substances may affect vehicle reuse, recycling, human health and the environment.

New role for ECHA

The ELV Regulation requires the presence of substances of concern in vehicles, parts and components to be minimised as far as possible. ECHA’s initial work will support a Commission report on the presence and impacts of these substances, due by 14 February 2028.

The Commission may use the findings to establish future information requirements or restrictions for substances that negatively affect the reuse or recycling of vehicle materials. Where chemical-safety action is needed, ECHA may be asked to prepare restriction proposals under REACH.

Existing restrictions and exemptions

The Regulation maintains the existing restrictions on lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium in vehicles, subject to the conditions and exemptions in Annex IV. ECHA may also assess the technical and economic feasibility of alternatives when the Commission reviews these exemptions.

For vehicle types type-approved from 1 September 2032, and for new parts and components placed on the market for those vehicles, the Regulation sets a stricter framework for the use of these substances.

What this means for companies

ECHA’s work does not introduce new restrictions today. However, manufacturers and suppliers should use this period to map substances in vehicle parts and components, particularly where they may affect dismantling, reuse, recycling or end-of-life treatment.

Companies should also monitor future ECHA consultations and Commission measures. The work may lead to additional data requirements, changes to existing exemptions or new substance restrictions in the years before the Regulation generally applies from 1 September 2028.

Source: European Chemicals Agency, ECHA begins work to reduce hazardous substances in vehicles ; and the Official Journal of the European Union, Regulation (EU) 2026/1738 on circularity requirements for vehicle design and management of end-of-life vehicles .