The European Parliament and Council have reached a preliminary consensus on the revision of EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. The newly agreed-upon legislation aims to enhance environmental and human health protection more effectively, contributing to the EU’s goals of climate neutrality, a circular economy, and zero pollution.
The regulations will be strengthened regarding the export of waste from the EU to non-OECD countries such as countries like China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey. Specifically, exports of certain non-hazardous wastes and mixtures for recovery purposes will only be permitted to non-OECD countries that consent and adhere to criteria ensuring environmentally sound waste treatment, including compliance with international labour and workers’ rights conventions. The Commission will maintain a list of such recipient countries, updated at least biennially.
The Parliament ensured that, within two and a half years of the regulation coming into force, the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries will be prohibited. Stricter conditions, such as the prior written notification and consent procedure, along with closer compliance monitoring, will be imposed on plastic waste exports to OECD countries.
For waste shipments within the EU, all shipments intended for disposal in another EU country are generally prohibited, with exceptions allowed only in special cases. Strict requirements for prior written notification, consent, and information will apply to waste shipments destined for recovery operations.
The agreement also supports the creation of an enforcement group to enhance cooperation among EU countries in preventing and detecting illegal waste shipments. The Commission will have the authority to conduct inspections, in collaboration with national authorities, when there is sufficient suspicion of illegal waste shipments occurring.