The European recycling lobby, EuRIC, has called on the European Commission to extend the deadline for compliance with the ‘waste shipment’ regulation (see EUROPE 13292/11). Non-OECD countries have until 21 February to notify the European Commission that they wish to import waste from the EU and that they will do so in an “environmentally sound manner”.
The list of countries authorised to import European waste will be published by 21 November 2026. And those not on the list will no longer be able to receive exports from May 2027. “Most non-OECD countries are simply not ready yet to meet the EU’s new, complex procedures”, warned EuRIC.
According to the recyclers, “outreach from European authorities to non-OECD countries seems to have been largely insufficient”. They fear “a collapse of outlet markets” and are calling for the 21 February date to be extended by six months, as well as for the application of export rules for 2027 to be postponed. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)