In an attempt to encourage manufacturers of vehicles, material and equipment to reduce the use of hazardous substances, and increase the use of recycled materials, the EU has also created a policy focused on preventing waste from end-of-life vehicles (vehicles categorized as waste). Article 4.2 of Directive 2000/53/EC, states that:

Member States shall ensure that materials and components of vehicles put on the market after 1 July 2003 do not contain lead, mercury, cadmium or hexavalent chromium other than in cases listed in Annex II under the conditions specified therein;