European Commission receives applications from non-OECD countries to import nonhazardous recyclables

Twenty-four non-Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (non-OECD) countries have submitted requests by the Feb. 21 deadline to be included on the list of countries eligible to import nonhazardous “waste” from the EU after May 21, 2027.

The applications are required under the new Waste Shipments Regulation, which establishes a new regime for the shipment of recyclables within the EU, as well as for imports and exports of these materials into and out of the EU. The European Commission says the objective of the regulation is to ensure that the EU contributes to the environmentally sound management of “waste” and better addresses the illegal trafficking of these materials instead of exporting such problems.

The regulation introduces stricter rules on recyclables exports to non-OECD countries, including a full ban on the export of plastic recyclables starting Nov. 21, 2026.

For other types of nonhazardous waste and recyclables, non-OECD countries must submit a formal request to the European Commission to continue importing such material from the EU.

The European Commission says it received requests 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.

The commission will assess the applications and prepare a list of non-OECD countries authorized to import specific material streams from the EU. In the assessment process, the European Commission says it could reach out to applicant countries to seek clarification or to request additional information. 

The first list of countries authorized to receive recyclables from the EU will be established by Nov. 21, 2026. Exports to non-OECD countries that are not included on the list will be prohibited starting May 21, 2027. This list will be updated regularly and at least every two years, the commission says.

Countries that have not submitted a request by the Feb. 21 deadline still can submit one to the commission for consideration, but the commission says it is not guaranteed that their assessments will be finalized before the first list of countries authorized to import waste from the EU is finalized for adoption in November of next year. 

Requests can be submitted using the “Request for Inclusion” form and must include detailed evidence supporting the country's claims, structured according to the form's guidance note. The request and all related documentation or other communication must be provided in English or with a translation in English. It must be submitted electronically to ENV-WASTE-SHIPMENTS@ec.europa.eu or by registered post to European Commission, DG Environment – Unit B3, Avenue d’Auderghem 19, 1040 Brussels, Belgium.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), based in Brussels, urges its members in non-OECD countries that are not on this list and have not yet applied to engage with their national authorities immediately and via their national associations, if applicable, to submit applications as soon as possible. BIR says it can provide support in navigating these requirements.

For those in countries that have applied, the association says it will monitor the assessment process and provide updates as they become available.

“Whilst these developments are framed as advancing circular economy objectives, BIR recognizes the complex implications for the global recycling industry," the BIR writes in an email to its membership. "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."

“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 nonapplicant countries and EU recyclers who rely on these export markets. We assure members that BIR will continue its advocacy efforts, working closely with our member association EuRIC [European Recycling Industries’ Confederation] to ensure the implementation process addresses recyclers' concerns and minimizes supply chain disruptions.”

Brussels-based EuRIC has warned the European Commission against imposing restrictions on scrap exports, saying they have kept recycling businesses alive as they serve to counterbalance “extremely low” demand for recyclables within the European Union. 

In an article written for Recycling Today, EuRIC Secretary General Julia Ettinger says, “When the revised Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) entered into force in May, it was presented as the European Union’s master plan to end the practice of ‘exporting its waste problem’ to developing countries. The new rules also aim to tackle illegal shipments, boost circularity within Europe and, theoretically, ensure valuable material stays within the EU for recycling and reuse.

“However, the reality for Europe’s recycling industry is proving far more complex. The regulations, which are scheduled to be fully implemented by 2027, introduce a series of measures that disrupt recyclers’ operations and jeopardize EU’s circular economy ambitions.”