Portugal Seeks to Restore Environmental Levy Exemption for Retreads

Portugal's Directorate-General for the Economy (DGE) is seeking to restore a full exemption from environmental waste-management charges for domestically retreaded tyres, following the introduction of new fees at the beginning of 2026.

The proposal would reverse a change that requires qualifying retreaded tyres to pay 90% of the Ecovalor contribution applied to equivalent new tyres, despite previously benefiting from a complete exemption.

The DGE outlined its position during Valorpneu's 24th Network Meeting, held in Ílhavo on 27 and 28 October 2026.

DGE Calls for Return to Full Exemption

Gracinda Marote, head of the DGE's Sustainability and Circular Economy Division, said the authority intends to renew its efforts to secure either a complete exemption or an equivalent 100% reduction in the environmental contribution.

The DGE considers the current charging system inconsistent with efforts to encourage tyre reuse and extend product service life.

According to Marote, the authority opposed the regulatory change because it had not identified sufficient environmental or financial benefits to justify introducing the charge on retreaded tyres.

The change stems from Portugal's Ministerial Order No. 150/2024/1, which establishes criteria for differentiating environmental contributions under producer responsibility waste-management systems.

From 1 January 2026, tyres retreaded domestically and placed on the Portuguese market became eligible for a 10% reduction rather than the previous full exemption.

What the Ecovalor Charges Mean for Retreaders

Ecovalor finances Portugal's used tyre collection, transport, treatment and recovery system, which is managed by Valorpneu.

Under the official 2026 Ecovalor schedule, the contribution varies according to tyre category.

For heavy commercial vehicle tyres, the standard contribution is €8.97 per tyre, compared with €8.07 for qualifying domestically retreaded equivalents.

Light commercial retreads attract a charge of €1.58, compared with €1.76 for new tyres. Passenger car retreads are charged €1.34, against €1.48 for new tyres.

For agricultural tyres fitted to driven wheels, the contribution is €16.74 for domestic retreads, compared with €18.60 under the standard schedule.

These charges are payable per tyre, with VAT applied where applicable.

The financial difference is particularly relevant to commercial tyre retreaders, where the contribution now forms part of the cost of placing qualifying retreaded products on the Portuguese market.

Industry Concern Over Retreading Policy

Valorpneu previously opposed the removal of the full exemption and sought changes to preserve the earlier treatment.

Portugal's retreading industry has also called for policies that recognise the role of retreading in extending tyre service life.

The Associação de Recauchutadores de Portugal (ARP) has identified regulatory reform and competition from lower-priced new tyres among the challenges facing the domestic sector.

The Portuguese development also reflects concerns raised elsewhere in the European retreading industry about regulatory treatment.

European association BIPAVER has separately called for greater recognition of retreaded tyres within the EU's circular economy framework, including measures to address barriers affecting the reuse of tyre casings.

Legislative Review Remains Possible

Marote indicated that the Ecovalor exemption could be reconsidered during a future review of Portugal's 2024 environmental fee regulations, potentially before the end of 2026.

However, no formal timetable or legislative amendment has been confirmed.

For now, the existing 10% reduction remains in force. Restoring the full exemption would require a change to the current regulatory framework.

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Tags: Portugal tyre industry, retreaded tyres, Ecovalor, Valorpneu, tyre retreading, environmental levy, circular economy, commercial tyres, tyre waste management, ARP

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