Wind of Change: Argentina’s ELV Revolution

Argentina has overhauled its end-of-life vehicle (ELV) rules, driven by industry association CARVA and a deregulation-focused government. Recyclers can now legally recover 142 parts (up from 30), with engineer sign-off for safety-critical items. Digital deregistration cuts waiting times from around 30 days to 24 hours, improving traceability, reducing corruption risk, and unlocking more reuse and circular value.

Maximiliano Marques of NH Autopiezas, an Argentine automotive recycler and spare parts supplier. p — Maximiliano Marques

Great news is blowing in from Argentina. Maximiliano Marques, owner of NH AUTOPIEZAS, an innovative automotive recycling and spare parts supplier, celebrates sweeping ELV reforms. Thanks to CARVA and a new government, deregistration is digital and recoverable parts have soared from 30 to 142, while professional recyclers now power Argentina’s circular economy.

What once seemed impossible has now become reality. Thanks to a new government, and above all, to the heart, perseverance, and teamwork of our national association (CARVA), the ELV regulations in Argentina have changed radically, marking the beginning of a new era for the automotive recycling industry.
There is still much to improve, but now we can celebrate a historic achievement.

Main Regulatory Changes

The most significant milestone is the increase in the number of parts that can now be legally recovered, from 30 to 142. Among the newly approved parts are headlights, rear axles, mirrors, and body cuts, among others. Some of these are considered critical safety components and must be inspected and authorized by a mechanical engineer.

Although this may seem unusual internationally, the process is efficient thanks to the digitalization of procedures.

Digital Transformation

Another major breakthrough is the fully digital deregistration process.
The previous system required filling out forms and sending numerous documents to different motor vehicle registration offices, a costly and time-consuming process that created inefficiencies and delays before parts could be sold.

Now, the time required to deregister a vehicle will be reduced from at least 30 days to just 24 hours.

Additional modifications

Other positive changes include:

The possibility of selling deregistered vehicles between recyclers.
Recognition of recyclers as a fundamental link at the end of a vehicle’s life, not only for private owners and insurance companies but also for municipalities and security forces, all of which can now allocate vehicles for parts recovery instead of destroying them as scrap.
A clear and transparent oversight process by the enforcing authority, reducing ambiguity and the possibility of corruption.
Digitalization and greater efficiency in renewals with RUDAC (National Registry of Automotive Dismantlers and Related Activities).

How Was This Achieved?

Sometimes it is difficult to identify the exact cause or strategy behind success, but we can certainly recognize the steady progress and final effort that made it possible.

In recent years, our industry has become increasingly professional and aligned with international best practices.

Growing awareness of environmental threats has made it clear that recycling and the circular economy are not optional but essential.

Many recyclers continued working passionately despite restrictions, bureaucracy, and difficulties.

However, in my opinion, none of these trends alone would have changed the rules without two key factors:

The commitment of the new government to deregulation, led by President Javier Milei, who created a special office to reduce bureaucracy, supported by Minister Federico Sturzenegger and an excellent working team.
The leadership of CARVA, under President José Luis Álvarez, Vice President Ignacio Sudrot, and their dedicated committee.

They held hundreds of meetings with government officials, knocked on every door, and spoke with the right people.

They led media campaigns to explain the environmental, social, and safety benefits of automotive recycling, and guided recyclers who were impatient or skeptical, creating solutions for every obstacle.

A Message to the World

I hope our story inspires the international community to persist in supporting our industry and to believe that what seems impossible can be accomplished. Let us keep collaborating to strengthen our industry and care for our planet. I also want to thank recyclers and professionals worldwide who contributed to helping our country achieve this dream.