Exemption from the ban on the use of steel slag
A temporary ban on the use of Linz-Donawitz (LD) and elektrische oven (ELO) steel slag has been in force in the Netherlands since 23 July 2025. Under this regulation, also known in the Netherlands as the noodregeling (emergency regulation), you can apply to the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) for an exemption from the ban on the use of steel slag in exceptional cases.
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Several studies and reports on the use of staalslak (steel slag) show that its use can pose risks to soil, human health and the environment when the specific properties of the material are not sufficiently taken into account. That is why the Tijdelijke regeling verbod en vergunningsplicht toepassing LD- en ELO-staalslak (temporary regulation on the prohibition and licensing requirement for the use of LD and ELO steel slag, in Dutch) applies from 23 July 2025.
The emergency regulation
The temporary ban applies to applications on or in the soil of non-shaped building materials (in Dutch) containing more than 20% by mass of LD steel slag or ELO steel slag if these are applied in either of the following situations:
- In a layer thickness of more than 0.5 metres.
- At a location where ingestion or inhalation of these materials or contact with the eyes, mouth or skin cannot be ruled out. This is referred to as an open toepassing (open application).
In addition, a temporary permit is required for other applications on or in the soil of non-shaped building materials containing more than 20% by mass of LD steel slag or ELO steel slag (in Dutch). You can apply to the ILT for an exemption from the temporary permit requirement.
Applying for an exemption from the ban on the use of steel slag
You can apply for an exemption through MijnILT or using the online form Aanvraag vrijstelling van verbod toepassing staalslakken (in Dutch). You must upload the following documents with your application:
- Description of the project in which the steel slag will be used, including how you will prevent damage to the soil, human health and the environment.
- Explanation of why full application of the ban will lead to disproportionate consequences for the applicant.
- Opinion of the competent authority on the use of steel slag.
If you are granted an exemption, it will be valid for an indefinite period. The ILT may attach restrictions and conditions to the exemption. The ILT will adhere to the statutory decision-making deadlines (in Dutch) when processing your application.
General information about the temporary ban and emergency regulation can be found on the Informatiepunt Leefomgeving, IPLO website (in Dutch).
If you have any questions, please contact the ILT.