The European Commission published a draft list on 18 September 2026 identifying non-OECD countries that could remain authorised to receive certain non-hazardous waste from the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on shipments of waste.
Under the new regime, exports of non-hazardous waste from the EU to countries where the OECD Decision does not apply will generally be prohibited from 21 May 2027.
An exception will apply where a non-OECD country has formally requested to continue receiving specific waste streams from the EU, demonstrated that those wastes can be managed in an environmentally sound manner, and has been included in the European Commission’s authorised-country list.
A total of 32 countries and territories submitted requests, which have now been assessed by the Commission. The draft list published on 18 September 2026 is subject to stakeholder feedback until 16 October 2026.
What Is Regulation (EU) 2024/1157?
The EU Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 establishes the framework governing shipments of waste within the European Union and between the EU and third countries.
The Regulation aims to:
- prevent environmentally harmful waste exports;
- improve transparency and traceability;
- strengthen enforcement against illegal waste shipments;
- promote environmentally sound waste management;
- support the EU circular economy.
Most provisions began applying on 21 May 2026, while several important export rules have later application dates.
What Changes on 21 May 2027?
From 21 May 2027, exports of non-hazardous waste for recovery to non-OECD countries will generally be prohibited.
Exports may continue only to countries included on the Commission’s authorised list and only for the specific waste streams approved for that destination.
Therefore, being included on the list does not automatically mean that a country may receive every category of EU waste.
What Information Will the Authorised-Country List Contain?
Under Article 41 of the Waste Shipment Regulation, the list will specify:
- authorised destination countries;
- the specific non-hazardous waste streams that may be exported to each country;
- information on licensed recovery facilities;
- applicable national import-control procedures;
- where relevant, information on prior written notification and consent requirements.
This will make the list an important compliance tool for companies exporting waste from the EU.
What Must Non-OECD Countries Demonstrate?
Countries seeking inclusion must provide evidence that imported EU waste can be managed in an environmentally sound manner.
The Commission assesses matters including:
- waste-management legislation;
- recovery infrastructure;
- licensing and inspection systems;
- enforcement measures;
- penalties for regulatory violations;
- monitoring of waste shipments and waste-management facilities.
The objective is to ensure that exports do not create unacceptable environmental or human-health risks in destination countries.
When Will the Final List Be Adopted?
The Regulation provides for the first authorised-country list to be adopted by 21 November 2026, while the Commission’s latest communication states that the first list will be established by the end of 2026.
The list must subsequently be reviewed and updated at least every two years.
Countries may be added if they demonstrate compliance, while countries that no longer satisfy the regulatory requirements may be removed.
Plastic Waste Is Subject to a Different Timeline
Plastic waste is subject to stricter rules.
Exports of plastic waste from the EU to non-OECD countries will be banned from 21 November 2026, before the broader non-hazardous waste regime begins applying in May 2027.
Under the Regulation, non-OECD countries will not be able to submit requests to receive the relevant plastic waste for recycling until 21 May 2029 at the earliest, and additional conditions will apply.
What About Türkiye?
Türkiye is an OECD member and is therefore not covered by the non-OECD authorised-country list.
However, the Commission is separately monitoring waste exports to OECD destinations.
On 18 September 2026, the Commission also published an assessment of plastic-waste exports to Türkiye. Türkiye remained the largest OECD destination for EU plastic waste in 2025, receiving approximately 510,000 tonnes.
The Commission recognised improvements in Türkiye’s regulatory framework and enforcement while also identifying areas where greater transparency and additional information are needed.
What Should Waste Exporters Do?
Companies involved in EU waste exports should begin reviewing their supply chains ahead of the new deadlines.
Key actions include:
- determining whether destination countries are OECD or non-OECD;
- checking whether non-OECD destinations appear on the authorised list;
- confirming whether the specific waste stream is authorised for that country;
- reviewing waste classifications and shipment documentation;
- checking the licensing status of receiving recovery facilities;
- assessing the separate rules applicable to plastic waste;
- reviewing long-term export and recycling contracts.
Early preparation will be particularly important for businesses dependent on recovery facilities located in non-OECD countries.
What Does the New System Mean for International Waste Trade?
The new Waste Shipment Regulation fundamentally changes the approach to EU waste exports to non-OECD destinations.
From May 2027, the starting position will effectively become:
exports are prohibited unless the destination country and specific waste stream have been explicitly authorised.
The Commission states that the EU exported around 32 million tonnes of waste in 2025, approximately 40% of which was destined for non-OECD countries.
The new authorised-country system is therefore expected to have significant implications for international waste trade, recycling markets and secondary raw-material supply chains.