The Netherlands: Agreement reached on automobile scrapping regulation

Publication date: 28 May 2009

As proposed by Minister Cramer of Spatial Planning and the Environment, the Cabinet has approved a provisional scrapping regulation for passenger cars and delivery vans. Although the regulation is expected to come into force before Whit weekend, the exact date depends on when the subsidy scheme is announced in the Government Gazette.

The regulation is one of a range of measures being introduced by the Dutch government to mitigate the impact of the crisis. It was drafted in collaboration with interest group RAI Vereniging, the association of motor car, garage and allied trades BOVAG and Auto Recycling Nederland (ARN). The national government has earmarked €65 million for the regulation, and the automotive industry will contribute €20 million in the initial
phase.

Owners of old passenger cars will receive between €750 and €1000 for trading in their old car for scrapping when purchasing a newer, more eco-friendly car. There is a subsidy of between €1000 and €1750 for old diesel delivery vans. The regulation will end once the budget has been exhausted.

As a result of the scrapping regulation, around 80,000 old, polluting cars and delivery vans are expected to be traded in for newer and less polluting vehicles. The focus is primarily on reducing emissions of fine particles and nitrogen oxides.

Source: VROM