The European Union is preparing to introduce stricter controls on imported plastics in 2026 to help its struggling recycling industry, amid record recycling capacity losses and competitive pressures from low-cost imports of virgin plastics.

At the end of December 2025, reports indicate that the European Commission is developing a set of trade and regulatory measures aimed at bolstering the EU’s plastics recycling sector, which has suffered significant capacity closures in recent years due to economic headwinds. 
Reuters

Key elements under consideration include:

Stricter documentation requirements for imported plastics to verify that materials entering the EU market are genuinely recycled rather than mislabeled virgin plastics. 
Reuters

Separate customs codes for virgin and recycled plastics to improve traceability and market integrity. 
Reuters

Audits of recycling facilities, both inside and outside the EU, to ensure compliance with environmental and quality standards. 
Reuters

EU member states such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands have pushed for more robust action against low-quality and heavily discounted recycled plastic imports, reflecting widespread concern over unfair market conditions and erosion of local recycling capacity. 
Reuters

These proposed measures come as the EU seeks to level the playing field for domestic recyclers, strengthen the internal market for recycled plastics, and align trade practices with its broader circular economy goals.