Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 provides new rules on exports of waste outside the EU. It also contains specific rules for exports of plastic waste, depending on the type and destination.
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 will apply 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
Starting on 21 November 2026, there will be a complete ban on such exports until 21 May 2029.
After this period, non-OECD countries interested in importing plastic waste are invited to notify the European Commission and demonstrate their capacity to manage such waste in an environmentally sound manner, in order 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 country of destination, the Commission will engage in a 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 preparing a specific report assessing whether countries importing significant volumes of plastic waste manage this waste in an environmentally sound manner, if such exports do not lead to significant environmental or human health damage in such countries and if EU plastic waste imported to OECD country is not further shipped to third countries. The report should be published by May 2026.
Imports into the EU
The new Regulation maintains the current rules on plastic waste imports to the EU.
