European environmental regulation is entering a new phase. This change will have a significant impact on industrial companies across several sectors. A proposed amendment to the Act on Integrated Prevention and Pollution Control (IPPC) will introduce new rules. These rules will influence how companies manage their environmental impact in the coming years.
The amendment is expected to enter into force on 15 July 2026. However, some obligations will be implemented gradually.
One of the most important changes is the mandatory introduction of an Environmental Management System (EMS). Every IPPC facility will have to implement it by 15 July 2027. This system will allow companies to monitor, manage and evaluate the environmental impacts of industrial activities. In addition, companies will need to subject these systems to regular audits. In this way, compliance and effectiveness will be ensured.
Therefore, the introduction of EMS represents a structural change for the industrial sector. Companies will need to strengthen their monitoring processes. They will also have to improve transparency in environmental data. Finally, sustainability will need to be integrated into operational decision-making.
Transition Plans Toward Carbon Neutrality and the Circular Economy
The second pillar of the reform focuses on strategic sustainability planning. In particular, companies will need to prepare environmental transformation plans. These plans must be ready before 2030.
The measure affects companies operating large energy and heating sources. It also includes sectors such as metal production and processing, mineral products and the chemical industry. In addition, it will apply to intensive livestock farming.
As a result, these sectors will fall under the IPPC regulatory framework. Companies will need to evaluate how their production models can evolve. The goal is to align them with long-term environmental objectives.
For many organizations, this will involve reviewing their energy sources. Furthermore, companies will need to analyze current production technologies. Likewise, they will have to improve efficiency in the use of resources.
In this context, sustainability planning becomes central to industrial strategies. Companies will need to gradually adapt their production processes. This will help reduce emissions and strengthen supply chains. At the same time, they will need to integrate circular economy principles.
Stricter Emission Limits Based on Best Available Techniques
The proposal also introduces stricter requirements regarding industrial emissions. In the future, emission limits will be defined according to Best Available Techniques (BAT).
As a result, pressure will increase to modernize industrial infrastructure. Companies will need to invest in more efficient technologies. In addition, they will have to adopt more advanced environmental solutions.
Moreover, the proposal includes new monitoring requirements. It also foresees possible changes to control systems and penalties. Consequently, authorities will be able to conduct stricter inspections.
Overall, these measures strengthen environmental supervision in the European Union. Therefore, companies will need to continuously monitor their environmental performance. They will also need to improve their results on an ongoing basis.
Critical Raw Materials and New Waste Export Restrictions
In addition to regulating industrial emissions, the European Commission is strengthening its approach to critical raw materials. To this end, it has launched the REsourceEU initiative.
This program aims to ensure access to strategic raw materials within the European Union. At the same time, it introduces new measures affecting the export of certain types of waste.
For example, the Commission plans to limit the export of scrap and waste from permanent magnets. This proposal could be presented before the second quarter of 2026.
The Commission is also paying special attention to blackmass. This material is essential for recycling raw materials used in battery production. Currently, a large portion of this material is exported to Asia for final recovery.
From September 2026, blackmass will be classified as hazardous waste. Consequently, its export to countries outside the OECD will be prohibited. If this measure proves insufficient, the Commission may propose further restrictions.
Ultimately, these policies show a clear trend. The European Union aims to link sustainability, industrial regulation and resource security. Therefore, companies will need to anticipate these changes. In doing so, they will be able to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain long-term operational stability.
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Source: https://www.eversheds-sutherland.com/en/czech-republic/locations/offices/prague
