Commission receives first requests from non-OECD countries for inclusion on list of countries eligible to import non-hazardous waste from EU

In line with the European Green Deal and second EU Circular Economy Action Plan, the new Waste Shipments Regulation establishes a new regime for the shipment of waste within the EU, as well as for imports and exports of waste into and from the EU.

The objective is to ensure that, instead of exporting its waste problems, the EU contributes to the environmentally sound management of waste, and better addresses the illegal trafficking of waste. 

In line with this objective, the Regulation introduces stricter rules on waste exports to non-OECD countries, including a full ban on the export of plastic waste from 21 November 2026.

For other types of non-hazardous waste, non-OECD countries must submit a formal request to the European Commission to continue importing such waste from the EU. The deadline set under the Regulation for submitting such a request was 21 February 2025.  

By that date, 24 requests were received for inclusion on the list of countries eligible to import non-hazardous waste from the EU after 21 May 2027 from Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Nigeria, North-Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan¹, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.

The European Commission will assess these applications and draw up a list of non-OECD countries authorised to import specific waste streams from the EU. 

In the assessment process, the Commission may reach out to applicant countries to seek clarifications or request to complete the information provided. 

The first list of countries authorised to receive waste from the EU will be established by 21 November 2026. Exports of waste to non-OECD countries that are not included in the list will be prohibited from 21 May 2027. This list will be updated regularly and at least every two years.

Countries that have not submitted a request by 21 February 2025 can still send one to the Commission. These requests will still be considered, but there is no guarantee that their assessment will be finalised before establishing the first list of countries authorised to import waste from the EU. This first list is planned for adoption in November 2026. 

Requests can be submitted using the ‘Request for Inclusion’ form and must include detailed evidence supporting the country's claims, structured according to the form's guidance note. The request and all related documentation or other communication must be provided in English or with a translation in English. It must be submitted electronically to the following email address: ENV-WASTE-SHIPMENTS@ec.europa.eu

Or by registered post to the following address:-

European Commission 

DG Environment – Unit B3 

Avenue d’Auderghem 19 

1040 Brussels

Belgium

^{1 The use of the term ‘country’ should not be interpreted as reflecting any official position of the European Union with regard to the legal status of Taiwan.}