The revised European Waste Shipment Regulation (EWSR) also affects the import and export of plastic waste in and out of the European Union (EU).
Changes to B3011 waste
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From 21 May 2026, an EWSR notification is required to export B3011 waste from the EU to both OECD and non-OECD countries.
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From 21 November 2026, the export of B3011 waste to non-OECD countries will be prohibited.
For more information, read about the stricter rules for importing and exporting plastic waste (in Dutch).
Carrying out an audit
The notifier or the person arranging the shipment must arrange an audit by an independent third party. This third party must be independent of both the notifier or the person arranging the shipment and the recovery or disposal facility.
The party carrying out the audit must be accredited or have a permit to carry out these audits.
From 21 May 2027, an audit will be required for shipments of waste to countries outside the EU. The audit must not be more than 2 years old when the shipment is reported.
This requirement applies to both EWSR notifications and Annex VII waste shipments.
Informing the European Commission
The notifier or the person arranging the shipment must inform the European Commission (EC) about the audit.
The EC will set up a public register where all audits will be published.
International agreement
An audit is not required if the EC has made an international agreement with the competent authority of the OECD country concerned.
Under this agreement, it is recognised that all recovery and disposal facilities in that OECD country meet the requirements of Article 59, Part B, of Annex X to the EWSR.