EU regulation on enhancing waste shipment control for environmental protection

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have adopted regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on shipments of waste, amending Regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) 2020/1056 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.

The regulation constitutes a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard both the environment and human health through the regulation of waste shipments. Aligned with the European Green Deal and the New Circular Economy Action Plan, it underscores the imperative of environmentally responsible waste management and the reduction of reliance on raw materials. In implementing the Basel Convention and the Ban Amendment, it prohibits the export of hazardous wastes for disposal. Furthermore, it institutes stringent rules for the supervision and control of waste shipments, necessitating prior written consent for hazardous waste shipments and ensuring the traceability of such shipments while forbidding the mingling of waste types during transit.

This regulation also encompasses provisions for penalties and enforcement measures aimed at tackling illegal shipments, fostering international cooperation. Overall, it seeks to harmonize and fortify control over waste shipments, both within the Union and to third countries, with a keen emphasis on environmental protection and the transition to a circular economy.

The Regulation lays out measures to safeguard the environment and human health, contributing to climate neutrality and the attainment of a circular economy and zero pollution. It establishes procedures and control mechanisms for waste shipments based on factors such as origin, destination, route, waste type, and treatment methods at the destination. Applicable within the European Union, it governs shipments between Member States, imports from and exports to third countries, as well as transit shipments through the EU.

However, certain exceptions exist. It does not extend to waste generated during the regular operation of ships and offshore platforms until the waste is offloaded for recovery or disposal, nor does it encompass waste generated on vehicles, trains, aircraft, and ships until offloaded for recovery or disposal. Additionally, it excludes shipments of radioactive waste, animal by-products and derivatives, waste waters regulated by other Union legislation, substances intended for use as feed materials, Antarctic waste, carbon dioxide shipments for geological storage, and certain vessels regulated under other laws.

This Regulation shall come into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

It shall be applicable from 21 May 2026.

However, the following provisions shall be subject to the specified dates of application:
(a) Article 83, points 4, 5, and 6, from 20 August 2020;
(b) Articles 2(2)(i), 7(10), 11(5), 14(3), 15(6), 18(15), 27(2) and (5), 29(3) and (6), Article 31, 41 to 43, Article 45, 51(7), 61(7), Article 66, Articles 79 to 82, and Article 83, points 1 to 3, from 20 May 2024;
(c) Article 39(1)(d) from 21 November 2026;
(d) Articles 38(2)(b), 40, 44(2)(a), and 46 and 47 from 21 May 2027, except for Article 40(3)(b), which shall be effective from 21 May 2026;
(e) Article 73 from 1 January 2026.

This Regulation shall have binding force in its entirety and shall be directly applicable in all Member States.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

REGULATION (EU) 2024/1157 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL