End-of-life vehicle Directive 2000/53/EC Annex II: Study on analysis of costs and environmental benefits of heavy metal ban, and proposal for better regulation

The study examines the impacts of the ban of the substances lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium (VI) in automobiles by the ELV Directive with regard to environmental benefits (and human health) and costs for the automotive industry. The quantitative reduction of these substances is considered in relation to their further use in other sectors and applications. Besides, the possible negative (environmental) impacts of the alternatives to the banned heavy metals are examined. It is also discussed whether and how the ELV directive could be replaced by REACH.