Critical Raw Materials Act: Commission proposes new circularity rules for magnets in EEE

As part of its new RESourceEU plan, the European Commission has proposed targeted amendments to the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) to strengthen circularity, particularly for permanent magnets used in wind turbines, vehicles and electronic equipment.

The draft revision, published in December, introduces a number of new provisions to support more sustainable resource use.

One key change is the expansion of labelling obligations for magnet-containing products.

Under the proposed Article 28, new categories such as microwaves, vacuum cleaners and dishwashers would need to be labelled with information on the presence and composition of permanent magnets.

In addition, Article 29 would introduce a new obligation for producers to disclose the recycled content in magnets used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).

Looking further ahead, the proposal also includes minimum recycled content requirements for such magnets from 2031 onwards.

Although not part of the legal text itself, the accompanying communication outlines further planned measures, including the introduction of export restrictions on magnet waste from spring 2026.

The legislative process will now move to the European Parliament and Council, which will lead negotiations and may amend the proposal.

The legislative timeline is expected to run for approximately 18 months.

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