From Rust to Reuse: The International and European Legal Frameworks Governing the Trade in Steel and Aluminium Scrap

Steel and aluminium scrap have become strategic commodities at the crossroads of environmental, economic, and industrial policies. As essential inputs for decarbonization and circular economy strategies, their use reduces energy intensity and emissions in metal production, while securing alternative sources of raw materials amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty. Given their position at the intersection of different objectives, the trade of steel and aluminium scrap is governed by a complex mix of international and domestic legal frameworks, creating uncertainty for public authorities and market operators alike. This article aims to provide a first comprehensive identification and analysis of the international legal frameworks governing the trade of steel and aluminium scrap under both international environmental law and international trade law. It also examines relevant domestic trade-restrictive measures on both the import and export sides, with particular attention to the legal and policy instruments adopted by the European Union (EU).