The European Commission has confirmed that 24 non-OECD countries have successfully submitted their requests to continue receiving EU recycled materials under the new Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR). While this is a positive step, nearly 150 non-OECD countries have yet to submit their notifications, risking an automatic export ban by May 21, 2027.

Under the new rules, non-OECD countries had until February 21, 2025, to notify the European Commission of their willingness to import non-hazardous EU materials. EuRIC had previously warned that many countries would struggle to meet this deadline, citing a lack of clarity on the new regulations and challenges in compiling the required data.

The European Commission has confirmed that notifications were successfully submitted by 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.

EuRIC appreciates the European Commission’s engagement with non-OECD countries and its flexibility in allowing late submissions, as strongly advocated by EuRIC. However, concerns remain about the impact on recyclers in non-applicant countries and potential disruptions to international trade in recycled materials.

Committed to ensuring that the new EU waste shipment rules support rather than hinder the circular economy, EuRIC continues to work towards a fair and transparent trade system for recycled materials, including tyres, metals, paper, and textiles.

Leran more about thr topic from EuRIC's Statement.