On 20 May 2024, Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 entered into force, which will be fully applicable from 21 May 2026 and replaces the previous Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. The new regulation brings significant changes to the cross-border transport of waste within and outside the EU in order to promote more sustainable waste management.

Key innovations include the digitalisation of waste transport within the EU to reduce administrative burdens. In addition, stricter rules will be introduced to make it more difficult to ship waste for disposal in order to encourage recovery. Another key objective of the regulation is to combat illegal waste transport. To this end, the European Commission will be given more powers to carry out checks and a new enforcement group will support Member States in detecting and preventing illegal shipments.

From May 21, 2027, EU companies will be required to demonstrate through independent audits that their waste exports are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Exports to OECD and non-OECD countries will be monitored particularly strictly to avoid environmental damage. These measures ensure that waste will be treated more responsibly and in a more environmentally friendly manner in the future, contributing to more efficient waste management in the EU.

For further information on Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste, please see here