EU exports of waste to non-EU countries represent about 16% of global trade in waste. Around 67 million tonnes of waste are shipped between EU countries every year
European Parliament
How do you ensure that your waste is shipped causing the minimum impact to people and the environment?
Requirements introduced by legislation
The New Regulation on Waste Shipments contains several requirements that aim to ensure the safe and environmentally sound shipment of waste, including:
- Strengthening the existing provisions on the control and monitoring of waste shipments.
- Reporting of shipment activities and financial guarantees to cover the costs of any damage caused by shipments.
- Requirement to ensure that the waste is treated in an environmentally sound manner in the country of destination.
Who must comply
- Any person or organization involved in the shipment of waste, including exporters, importers, carriers, brokers, and traders.
- This includes both private and public entities.
- The regulation applies to waste shipments within the European Union as well as those that are exported from or imported into the EU.
Key law specifications
- New measures to prevent illegal shipments of waste.
- Prior consent from the importing country.
- Harmonization of the rules on waste shipments across the EU, ensuring that all Member States apply the same standards and procedures.
Penalties for non-compliance
The Member States shall at least be able to impose the following penalties in case of infringements of this Regulation:
- Fines.
- Confiscation of revenues gained by the natural or legal person from a transaction related to the infringement.
- Suspension or revocation of the authorization to carry out activities related to management and shipment of waste insofar as these activities fall under the scope of this Regulation.
- Exclusion from public procurement procedures.
Take action with BCome
- Measure your items’ circular performance through the Circular Economy Indicators.
- Identify opportunities to minimize waste by assessing the circularity Eco-Score of your items.
- Report progress towards your business circularity goals.
Timeline for its entry into force and compliance
2026
Application of the regulation
New requirements will begin to apply 24 months after that date.
May 2024
Entry into force
The Regulation on Waste Shipments enters into force on 21 May 2024.
February 2024
MEPs adopt the final text
Parliament approves updated EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments.
December 2023
Endorsement of the agreed text
The agreed text is endorsed by Member State representatives.
November 2023
Provisional agreement on Waste Shipment Regulation
Interinstitutional negotiations conclude with a provisional agreement.
May 2023
Council approves general approach
The Council adopts its general approach on the proposed revision of the EU’s Waste Shipment Regulation.
January 2023
European Parliament adopts position
The European Parliament adopts its position on the proposed regulation, emphasizing improvements in transparency, monitoring, and assessment of waste management.
November 2021
Proposal to revise EU Waste Shipment introduced by European Commission
European Commission tables a proposal to revise EU rules on waste shipments, aiming to support the circular economy.
