Final report - IMPEL-TFS NCP Exchange Days 2011

Discussion Topic 4
Richard Gray (England and Wales):
The export of waste / damaged items sold over the internet /global
market.
ELVs and other wastes are routinely shipped either as non-waste or
illegally by buyers from foreign markets, who then arrange for collection
and shipping without regard to WSR EC/1013/2006 or other regulations.
Scenario:
A vehicle involved in an accident has been written off as “uneconomic for
repair compared to the market value of vehicle” by the insurers. The
owner must submit the vehicle’s Registration documents to the insurance
company in settlement of the claim and the vehicle is collected by the
insurers salvage company. According to the extent of the Damage – The
insurers assign one of 4 categories upon the vehicle:
Cat A - Only suitable for scrapping;
Cat B - Suitable for dismantling and recovery of spare parts;
Cat C - uneconomic for repair because of low market value of vehicle;
Cat D - Repair is possible, but insurers decides to write the vehicle off.
The registration documents (Log Book) may be returned by the insurers
to the Vehicle Licensing Authority. The vehicle is regarded as no longer
being roadworthy.
Once the claim is settled, the Insurance company hands the vehicle over
to the salvage company – with instruction on what is to be done with it.
The Salvage Company may decide to dismantle or sell the damaged
vehicle at auction.
The auctioneers frequently make use of the internet to advertise auction
car sales – which mean that successful bids can be received from buyers
/ scrap facilities / auto repair facilities resident in other countries.
The salvage companies make their own determination on whether the
vehicle is waste – and often assess that Cat C & D vehicles are not waste.
However, the registration documents (Log Book, Tax Disc, MoT
Certificate) and vehicle Handbook may not be available to hand over to
the perspective buyer at the time of sale.
Foreign buyers often purchase several vehicles at auction, some of which
are Cat B and others that are Cat C or D. However, the vehicles are
specifically purchased for dismantling and recovery of spare parts. (In
which case they must be regarded as waste vehicle).
The buyer (non-natural or legal person) turns up with vehicle transporter
to collect vehicle purchases.
The car auctioneers are aware of the domestic waste controls and that
waste may not be handed over to a third party who is not a UK registered