The Commission has today launched a public consultation on a draft list of non-OECD countries that could be authorised to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union after May 2027, under the Waste Shipment Regulation. This draft list is based on the Commission’s assessment of the countries’ ability to manage such waste in an environmentally sound manner.  

To make sure that EU waste does not harm the environment or human health elsewhere, the new Waste Shipment Regulation, adopted in 2024, introduces stricter rules on waste exports, in particular to non-OECD countries. The EU will export waste to non-OECD countries from 21 May 2027 only if the countries explicitly request to continue receiving waste from the EU and demonstrate that they can manage it in a sustainable manner.

The Commission must assess the 32 requests received by non-OECD countries wanting to continue importing non-hazardous waste from the EU. The result of an initial assessment is summarised in a report published together with the draft list of countries on which the Commission is now seeking feedback from all interested parties – including citizens, businesses, NGOs, public authorities, and researchers. The public consultation is open until 16 October 2026.  

The first list of countries authorised to receive waste from the EU will be established after the consultation is closed. This list will be updated regularly and at least every two years, with the possibility open to countries which are not on the list to (re)apply. 

The Commission also published its assessment report on the sustainable management of plastic waste exported from the EU to Türkiye, under the Waste Shipment Regulation. The report focuses on Türkiye, as it is the first country destination and represents 70% of plastic waste exported from the EU to OECD countries. It highlights both progress made and gaps that still need to be addressed to support environmentally sound waste management in Türkiye. The Commission will engage with Türkiye's competent authorities on the report's findings and request to address its shortcomings. We will continue monitoring EU plastic waste exports to Türkiye and assess the need for additional measures. We remain committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Türkiye on waste management.

You can find more information on the launch of the public consultation and the publication of the assessment report online.