Commission publishes draft list of 25 non-OECD countries authorized to import EU non-hazardous waste

25 non-OECD countries could be authorized to keep importing EU non-hazardous waste beyond 21 May 2027 — date from which the Waste Shipment Regulation bans such exports —, according to a draft delegated regulation published by the European Commission on 18 September 2026.

The EU exported 32 million tonnes of waste in 2025 - around 40% of these exports are destined for non-OECD countries.

The EU waste shipment regulation, adopted in 2024, bans exports of non-hazardous waste to non-OECD countries unless “they explicitly request to continue receiving waste from the EU and demonstrate that they can manage it sustainably”, the Commission said.

As a result, 32 countries and territories asked to be listed. Following the assessment, 7 were left out.

In details, the draft stated that :
• 10 countries…