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★Mark us as a preferred sourceFollowing recent legislative reforms, the highly anticipated draft of the EU waste import list has been released. On September 18, 2026, the European Commission officially published a draft document detailing which non-OECD countries may be authorised to receive non-hazardous waste from the European Union. This regulatory step is a key component of the new Waste Shipment Regulation adopted in 2024, which aims to ensure the EU takes greater domestic responsibility for its environmental footprint.
The New Waste Shipment Regulation and the EU waste import list
Under the updated legislative framework, a strict general prohibition will apply: the European Union will stop exporting non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries starting from May 21, 2027. The EU waste import list serves as the regulatory framework to manage exceptions to this rule. Countries outside the OECD could formally request to continue receiving specific waste streams, provided they can explicitly demonstrate their capacity to manage the materials in a sustainable and environmentally sound manner.
A total of 32 countries formally submitted such requests to the Commission. The Commission assessed these applications, and the results have been summarised in an official report accompanying the draft. The draft list is currently open for public consultation, allowing stakeholders to submit feedback until October 16, 2026. The definitive first roster of approved countries is scheduled to be established by the end of 2026. Once finalized, it will be updated at least every two years.
Export Restrictions and Quantitative Data
The sheer scale of the waste management challenge is highlighted by official quantitative data. In 2025 alone, the European Union exported a massive 32 million tonnes of waste. Approximately 40% of this total volume was shipped to non-OECD nations.
Often, the waste exported from developed regions is processed in developing countries under conditions that fall short of European environmental standards. This influx can undermine local progress toward managing domestically generated refuse. To understand the broader context of global waste reduction strategies, you can read more about plastic waste progress and reduction efforts on our platform.
Assessment of Plastic Waste Exports to Türkiye
Alongside the broader policies, the Commission released a targeted assessment report focusing on plastic waste sent to Türkiye. The new regulation introduces stringent rules targeting plastics specifically: the export of plastic waste from the European Union to all non-OECD countries will be strictly banned beginning on November 21, 2026.
While Türkiye is an OECD member, the Commission is mandated to monitor these exports to verify environmentally sound management. The EU generates roughly 40 million tonnes of plastic waste every year and exports between 1 and 1.5 million tonnes annually. In 2025, total plastic exports stood at 1.4 million tonnes, split evenly between OECD and non-OECD destinations. Türkiye was the primary destination, receiving 510,000 tonnes. Other major non-OECD recipient countries in 2025 included Malaysia (276,000 tonnes), Indonesia (215,000 tonnes), Vietnam (137,000 tonnes), and the United Kingdom (108,000 tonnes).
Environmental Concerns and Future Steps
The detailed assessment acknowledges that Türkiye has made progress by strengthening its national legislation on waste imports and ramping up enforcement through increased controls and higher fines. Nevertheless, the Commission identified several critical areas requiring immediate improvement. These include a lack of transparency regarding domestic data on waste generation, insufficient evidence demonstrating how current legislation is practically preventing ecological harm, and unclear governance structures. The Commission remains committed to monitoring ongoing shipments. For further details, the original publication can be accessed via the European Commission Directorate-General for Environment.
FAQ
What is the primary purpose of the new waste regulation?
The main objective is to ensure that the European Union takes greater responsibility for its own waste challenges and stops exporting environmental burdens to non-EU nations, particularly developing and emerging countries.
When do the new export bans take effect?
The export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries will be banned starting November 21, 2026. The general ban on exporting non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries will take effect on May 21, 2027.
How much waste did the EU export recently?
In 2025, the EU exported a total of 32 million tonnes of waste, with 40% going to non-OECD countries. Out of this, 1.4 million tonnes was plastic waste.
