Your industry is now represented at the highest level of national discussions around End-of-Life Vehicle legislation. SAMBRA has secured a seat on the ministerially mandated task team, ensuring the interests of accredited repairers are considered as South Africa develops a national ELV framework.
Why ELV policy matters for South Africa
The purpose of the meeting was to establish a clear roadmap and a formal task team structure to develop the ELV policy to enable South Africa to comply with the European Union’s End-of-Life Vehicle regulations, which take effect in 2030. Some of the key points worth noting from the meeting were:
- From 2030, the EU will require 20% recycled plastic content in all new vehicles.
- The recycled plastic must be traceable specifically to end-of-life vehicles. Plastic sourced from other waste streams, such as beverage bottles, will not qualify.
- South Africa’s automotive exports total R269 billion, of which R156 billion (76%) is destined for the European market.
- Failure to comply with the regulations places this export market at significant risk.
- Vehicles will additionally be required to be designed for easier dismantling from 2030 onwards.
Building a national ELV system
As you are aware in SA there is not formal ELV system in place or verified recycled material supply change. Neither is there any national traceability capability. Insurance companies write off approximately 517,000 vehicles annually, of which an estimated 83% qualify as end-of-life vehicles. Only 3.5% (approximately 15,000) are formally recovered.
For many years we have been canvassing for a Vehicle Salvage Database – ELV is the next logical step and the good news is that action is finally starting to take place.
Proposed vehicle inspection reforms
It was agreed a ministerially mandated ELV task team would be created to oversee a flagship project anchored in insurance-linked ELV recovery and a national traceability system (AutoCV).
Of interest vehicle inspection reform was also tabled. To generate consistent ELV feedstock, a revised periodic vehicle testing schedule was proposed:
- New vehicles: first test required at 5 to 6 years.
- Vehicles aged 6 to 10 years: testing every two years.
- Vehicles older than 10 years: annual testing.
- Commercial or high-mileage vehicles: testing at six-month intervals.
Shaping the future of the industry
While these proposals are meant to discourage the retention of older vehicles, it was agreed that the socio-economic situation of the country, as well as a detailed cost- benefit analysis, especially on the demand side, should be considered in developing the ELV policy.
We will keep members updated on progress but we have a seat at this table.
Why this matters to members?
SAMBRA’s participation ensures the motor body repair industry has a seat at the table as national policy develops. These decisions will influence future recycling, salvage management, exports and repair standards.
