Regulation
T8 exemption to be withdrawn: Parliament vote expected before 17 December
The Government has set out a timeline to withdraw the T8 tyre exemption. New rules from 6 January 2027, with operators needing a permit application in by 6 April 2027.
By T8 Exemption Editorial Team
Published
Guidance updated on GOV.UK on 21 October 2026 confirms that the T8 exemption — mechanically treating end-of-life tyres — is being withdrawn, alongside T9 (recovering scrap metal) and U16 (using depolluted end-of-life vehicles for parts).
The key dates
- 20 October 2026: draft regulations laid before Parliament. Both Houses must approve them.
- Before 17 December 2026: parliamentary approval expected.
- 6 January 2027: new rules come into force and a three-month transition begins.
- 6 April 2027: T8 withdrawn. Operators must have applied for a standard rules or bespoke permit.
What operators must do
If you apply for a permit before the transition ends, you can keep working under your existing exemption conditions while the application is decided. If you don't apply, you must stop the activity.
Businesses that only produce and store waste tyres — such as tyre fitters and garages — are not caught by this change. The reforms apply in England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own timetables.
Why it is changing
The Government found exemption limits were often exceeded, tyre stockpiles posed serious fire risks, and misuse of T8 was linked to waste crime that undercut permitted recyclers. A more traceable tyre chain also helps producers and fleets evidence responsible disposal in their Scope 3 reporting.
Source: GOV.UK, “Waste exemptions: new rules from January 2027”. All dates are subject to parliamentary approval.