Different procedures apply depending on the type and destination of plastic waste (intra-EU, OECD, or non-OECD).
The Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 introduces new rules for the export of waste outside the EU. It also contains specific rules for plastic waste exports, depending on the type and destination.
See here for summary tables on the procedures for the import and export of plastic waste, as well as within the EU.
Exports from the EU
Exporting plastic waste, including clean, non-hazardous waste (which is destined for recycling) (B3011), will be subject to the 'prior notification and consent procedure'. This requirement applies from 21 May 2026.
Exporters of plastic waste, similarly as in the case of other waste, have to demonstrate that the waste exported is properly managed in the facility located in the recipient country to which it is shipped. Therefore, they must ensure that independent audits are carried out in such facilities, demonstrating that these facilities manage waste in an environmentally sound manner. This requirement will apply from 21 May 2027.
Specific rules for non-OECD countries
From 21 November 2026, there will be a complete ban on such exports, at least until 21 May 2029.
After this period, non-OECD countries interested in importing plastic waste must notify the European Commission and demonstrate their capacity to manage such waste in an environmentally sound manner if they wish to be included in the list of non-OECD countries to which plastic waste may be exported from the EU.
The request to import EU plastic waste can only cover non-hazardous plastic waste (B3011).
Specific rules for OECD countries
The Commission will monitor exports of waste to such countries, paying particular attention to plastic waste. If there are concerns that exports are increasing and likely to cause environmental damage in a given destination country, the Commission will engage in dialogue with this country. Ultimately, such exports will be suspended if the waste is not managed in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The Commission is also tasked with assessing countries that import significant volumes of EU plastic waste to ensure they manage it in an environmentally sound manner.
This evaluation will verify that these exports do not cause significant damage to local environments or human health, while also ensuring that OECD countries do not re-export EU plastic waste to third countries. An assessment is scheduled for publication soon.
Imports into the EU
- Importing hazardous plastic waste (A3210/AC300) and plastic waste that is hard to recycle (Y48)into the EU from third countries is subject to the 'prior notification and consent procedure'. Under this procedure, both the importing and exporting countries must authorise the shipment.
Intra-EU shipments
- The 'prior notification and consent procedure' also applies to intra-EU shipments of hazardous plastic waste (AC300), and of non-hazardous plastic waste (that is difficult to recycle) (EU48).
- All intra-EU shipments of non-hazardous plastic waste for recovery (EU3011) are exempt from these new controls. For shipments of such waste, general information requirements apply.
The new entries EU3011 and EU48 for non-hazardous plastic waste are largely modelled on the entries agreed in the Basel Convention, but with some differences.
