The UK vehicle producer register at Defra
Vehicle producers in the UK register straight with the government. This is the UK end-of-life vehicle register, handled with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) rather than through a public online producer list, and it is part of the country's EPR framework.
The public register the Environment Agency keeps lists authorised treatment facilities, not producers.
What the register covers
End-of-life vehicles under the 2003 and 2005 ELV regulations. Producers of M1 passenger cars and N1 vans must register, provide a free take-back network, and meet 95% recovery and 85% recycling targets.
Who has to register
Vehicle manufacturers and importers placing M1 or N1 vehicles on the UK market, including non-UK importers and distance sellers.
Registering with Defra
- Confirm your vehicles fall under the M1 or N1 ELV scope.
- Register your producer obligations with Defra.
- Provide a free take-back network through authorised treatment facilities.
- Meet and report against the recovery and recycling targets.
Selling in from abroad
There is no authorised-representative provision in current ELV guidance, so non-UK vehicle importers register with Defra directly. A review of the framework is expected in 2026 or 2027.
The UK's other producer registers
The UK splits its registers by stream. Packaging is reported through RPD, and electronics and batteries sit in NPWD. This page is the end-of-life vehicle register.
Frequently asked questions about the Defra ELV register
Short answers to what producers ask most.
Who has to register?
Vehicle manufacturers and importers placing M1 passenger cars or N1 vans on the UK market, non-UK importers included.
Where do I register?
Directly with Defra. The Environment Agency's public register lists authorised treatment facilities, not producers.
What targets apply?
Producers must provide free take-back and meet 95% recovery and 85% recycling targets.
Do foreign importers need a representative?
No. Current ELV guidance has no authorised-representative provision, so non-UK importers register with Defra directly.