Regulation on shipments of waste (recast)

This Regulation binds companies directly. It reaches textile firms that run take-back, sorting, resale or recycling, or sell surplus and returns to used-clothing merchants, and water businesses that send sludge, spent carbon or filter media across a border. Waste for disposal, and hazardous and most mixed waste for recovery, needs prior notification and consent, and the line between used goods and waste is tighter, so shipments once sent as second-hand goods may need full controls.

Paper documents are allowed until 31 December 2026; from 21 May 2027, exports to non-OECD countries depend on the destination country's notified willingness and proven sound management.