The European Rubber Journal (ERJ) reports that the EU has included sanctions on imports of both synthetic rubber and carbon blacks from Russia in its 10th package of sanctions in response to the Putin regime’s war in Ukraine.

The decision, announced on February 25, introduces import quotas of 562,973 tons for synthetic rubber and 752,475 tons for carbon black, apparently with immediate effect.

According to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA), the import quotas are valid until 30 June 2024, after which an import-prohibition will apply.

According to the ETRMA, the quotas seem to be equivalent to pre-war import levels – as reported by Eurostat for these materials across all applications. It is also understood that the European Commission (EC) will set up a monitoring mechanism and report on inflows of synthetic rubber from Russia on a monthly basis. If irregularities are identified via the mechanism, Brussels regulators could introduce restrictive measures against these imports.

In a 25 February statement, the EC said the restrictions on synthetic rubber and carbon blacks, along with bitumen and related materials, from Russia covered almost €1.3 billion worth of imports to the EU.

Source: European Rubber Journal.

Learn More:

• The EU’s reliance on imports underscores the need for recovered carbon black production solutions to stabilize supply chains.
• Technologies such as advanced tyre pyrolysis systems enable local production of critical tyre materials.
• Developing integrated waste-to-energy systems reduces exposure to geopolitical supply risks.
• Case studies of global tyre recycling and carbon recovery projects demonstrate how circular systems improve resilience.
• Explore global tyre recycling market insights to understand broader supply chain shifts.

Build Supply Chain Resilience with Circular Carbon Solutions

EU sanctions have made one thing clear: dependency on imported raw materials is a strategic vulnerability.

➡ Partner with Klean Industries to develop integrated systems that produce recovered carbon black and alternative feedstocks locally.

• Commercial-scale recovered carbon black (rCB) production
• Conversion of waste tyres into high-value carbon and fuels
• Reduced reliance on geopolitically exposed supply chains
• Stable, cost-effective raw materials for tyre manufacturers
• Fully aligned with EU circular economy and ESG mandates

Localize supply. Stabilize costs. Future-proof your operations.

Contact Klean Industries to deploy a circular materials solution tailored to your market » GO.