Removal of car catalytic converters poses serious environmental threat in Armenia, report says

By Siranush Adamyan

Armenia should impose a permanent ban on the export of used catalytic converters and tighten vehicle emissions standards to combat growing air pollution, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Union, published last week.

The study, Sustainable Transport Policy for Armenia: A Roadmap, prepared under the EU4Energy Program, said the widespread removal and export of catalytic filters, key components that cut toxic exhaust gases, has severely worsened air quality in major cities in recent years. Many imported second-hand cars arrive with the converters dismantled for resale as scrap, leaving vehicles on Armenia’s roads emitting far above permissible limits.

The IEA called for stronger inspections, customs oversight, and penalties for non-compliant importers, along with the introduction of a “green inspection” regime that could cut urban particulate emissions by up to 40% over the next decade. It also urged the government to harmonize fuel and emissions standards with those of the European Union.

Reducing pollution from road vehicles, improving fuel quality, and promoting electrification are essential steps for meeting the country’s climate goals and reducing its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, the report concluded.