The Italian Association of Automotive Dismantlers (ADA) brought together industry stakeholders in Rome on the 6th of June to focus on the European Union’s proposed End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Regulation, setting the stage for key discussions about the future of sustainable car dismantling.
Held during ADA’s ordinary members’ assembly, the event titled “What is the current status of the ELV Regulation?” attracted national and European policymakers, dismantlers, OEMs, and circular economy experts. The day provided a unique opportunity to assess how upcoming EU regulations could transform the auto recycling industry across Italy and beyond.
From Internal Governance to Public Debate
The morning began with a closed-door session for ADA members, focusing on RENTRI, Italy’s new waste traceability registry. This was followed by ADA’s General Assembly at the Precise House Mantegna hotel. In the afternoon, the public conference commenced, reinforcing ADA’s commitment to transparency and industry-wide dialogue on legislative change.
The program featured influential speakers, including Paulius Saudargas, a member of the European Parliament who spoke about the EU’s proposed ELV Regulation. His presentation outlined the regulation’s goals: tightening targets on reuse, recycling, and recovery, while increasing digital traceability and aligning Member States on compliance. Contributions from MEPs and ministry officials helped clarify the political backdrop and timeline, with adoption expected by early 2026 and full implementation by 2029.
ADA’s Message: Practicality, Performance, Partnership
In his address, ADA President Anselmo Calò emphasised that success depends not only on stricter legislation but also on enabling dismantlers to meet targets through technology, transparency, and coordinated policy. Italy’s dismantling sector processes more than one million tonnes of ELVs annually, among the highest in Europe, yet remains below the new reuse and recycling thresholds proposed by the EU.
ADA argues that traceability must extend beyond authorised treatment facilities to include the resale of spare parts. The risk, Calò warned, is that without a transparent system for verifying the origin of parts, especially online, illicit channels will continue to undermine legitimate operators. ADA proposes issuing certification for dismantled parts and establishing recognised resale platforms to ensure consumer trust.
The association also called for adjustments to EU legislation affecting the sector, including the Digital Services Act. ADA suggests that online platforms selling used automotive parts should have sector-specific requirements for traceability, seller verification, and product labelling. Additionally, it is lobbying for the legal recognition that dismantled parts, when meeting certain criteria, are not waste and should be eligible for reduced VAT, incentivising reuse.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for 2029
With the final Regulation expected within the next 12 months, ADA is encouraging its members to begin adapting immediately. This includes investing in dismantling automation, adopting digital tracking systems, and forming partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the recovery and reintroduction of parts into aftermarket supply chains.
The key challenges ahead will involve:
- Proving part origin and safety through traceable systems;
- Defining dismantled parts as products, not waste, under EU law;
- Aligning digital marketplaces with new ELV rules;
- Ensuring OEMs cooperate in designing cars for easier dismantling and reuse.
A Circular Economy Built on Trust
In Rome, ADA made one point clear: dismantlers are not peripheral players in the green transition; they are enablers of circular mobility. With the right tools, policies, and partnerships, they can help Europe move from regulatory intent to measurable environmental and economic impact.
For Italy’s ELV sector, and for Europe more broadly, the future will not be shaped by compliance alone. It will be shaped by those prepared to lead.
