The European Commission has confirmed that 24 countries have submitted applications to continue receiving non-hazardous waste from the EU beyond May 2027, when the new export prohibitions under the EU Waste Shipments Regulation will enter into force.
These applications, received by the 21 February 2025 deadline, came from: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Nigeria, North-Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.
BIR urges members in non-OECD countries that are not on this list and have not yet applied to engage with your national authorities immediately (also via your national association, if applicable) to submit applications as soon as possible. BIR can provide support in navigating these requirements. For those in countries that have applied, we will closely monitor the assessment process and provide updates as they become available.
Though countries that missed the February deadline can still submit applications, there is no guarantee these will be processed in time for inclusion on the first approved list, which the Commission plans to establish by 21 November 2026. This timeline creates significant uncertainty for recyclers in these markets.
The Regulation introduces particularly extensive measures, including a complete ban on plastic waste exports from 21 November 2026. For other non-hazardous waste categories, such as recycled metals and recovered paper, exports to non-OECD countries will be prohibited from 21 May 2027 unless those countries have been added to the EU’s approved list.
Whilst these developments are framed as advancing circular economy objectives, BIR recognises the complex implications for the global recycling industry. We have engaged with EU policymakers regarding potential impacts on international recycling supply chains, particularly for members in countries that have not yet submitted applications.
BIR will request that the Commission disclose which specific waste streams each applicant country has included in their application. This information is essential for our members to determine whether their materials are covered, allowing for better business planning across our supply chains.
Throughout this process, BIR has worked to represent our global membership’s interests and highlight international trade’s role in resource efficiency. We remain concerned about potential impact on recyclers in non-applicant countries and EU recyclers who rely on these export markets.
