The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Overview
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 introduce important updates to the management of waste shipments between countries, ensuring compliance with international environmental standards. The amendments focus on improving the control, monitoring, and regulation of waste exports and imports to prevent illegal or hazardous waste from being shipped across borders. These regulations align with the EU’s and international commitments to reduce environmental harm, enhance waste management practices, and promote a circular economy.
Key requirements include:
- Stricter Controls on Hazardous Waste Shipments: The amendments introduce more rigorous controls on the export and import of hazardous waste, ensuring that such materials are handled and disposed of in accordance with stringent environmental standards. Exporters of hazardous waste are now required to obtain prior written consent from the destination country before shipment. The regulations also enforce stricter documentation requirements, including detailed descriptions of the waste and its intended disposal method.
- Increased Transparency and Tracking: The regulations require businesses involved in international waste shipments to improve tracking and reporting of waste movements. This includes maintaining detailed records of waste shipments, including origin, destination, and final disposal. A new digital system is introduced to streamline reporting and monitoring of waste shipments. This system will provide regulators with real-time information on shipments, helping prevent illegal dumping and ensuring compliance with international standards.
- Stronger Enforcement and Penalties: The amendments increase penalties for non-compliance, including higher fines for illegal shipments and stricter enforcement measures. The regulations empower customs authorities and environmental agencies to conduct random checks and audits of waste shipments to ensure that they comply with legal and environmental requirements. Penalties also extend to companies that fail to provide accurate documentation or who engage in fraudulent activities related to waste shipments.
- Circular Economy Incentives: The amendments encourage businesses to adopt circular economy principles by promoting the recycling and reuse of waste materials. Companies are incentivised to reduce the export of waste that could be recycled or processed locally, instead focusing on promoting waste reduction and resource recovery. The regulations require companies to demonstrate that their waste management practices align with sustainability goals, particularly when exporting recyclable materials.
- Enhanced Due Diligence for Waste Exporters: Waste exporters must conduct thorough due diligence on the destination country’s waste management capabilities and ensure that the waste is going to a facility that meets recognised environmental standards. The regulations also emphasise the need for transparency in contracts with waste management companies abroad, requiring waste exporters to provide evidence that the waste will be handled safely and responsibly in the receiving country.
- Waste Recovery and Disposal Protocols: The regulations outline the types of waste that are acceptable for export for recovery or disposal. Specific categories of waste are subject to additional scrutiny to ensure that they will be processed in environmentally sound facilities. The amendments establish clearer guidelines on how countries must dispose of or recover imported waste in compliance with the Basel Convention, an international treaty governing hazardous waste trade.
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 came into force on the 1st of January 2025 and apply to the United Kingdom.
Do the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 affect my business?
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 will have the following impacts on businesses:
- Increased Compliance Costs: Businesses involved in the export or import of waste will face higher compliance costs due to the stricter documentation, tracking, and reporting requirements. They will need to invest in digital systems for tracking waste shipments, as well as additional staff training to ensure compliance with the updated regulations. Companies may also face higher costs related to conducting due diligence on the destination of their waste, including audits of overseas facilities and waste disposal plans.
- Improved Waste Management Practices: The amendments encourage businesses to adopt more responsible waste management practices, reducing the likelihood of illegal waste dumping and enhancing sustainability efforts. This could lead to increased investment in recycling and waste recovery processes, which may reduce long-term disposal costs and improve corporate sustainability profiles. Companies that comply with the regulations may gain reputational benefits by demonstrating their commitment to responsible waste management and environmental protection.
- Operational Adjustments: Waste management companies and exporters will need to adjust their operations to meet the new reporting and documentation requirements, which could lead to process optimisation or changes in waste handling procedures. For businesses in the recycling and waste processing sectors, the amendments could lead to increased demand for recycling services and sustainable waste management practices.
- Penalties and Legal Risks: The increased penalties for non-compliance raise the stakes for businesses involved in waste shipments. Companies will need to ensure that their waste shipments are fully compliant with both domestic and international regulations to avoid legal issues and financial penalties. Companies found guilty of illegal waste shipments could face severe reputational damage, loss of business licenses, or legal action, making compliance a critical aspect of operations.
By implementing stricter controls, enhanced transparency, and stronger enforcement measures, the regulations aim to prevent illegal waste shipments and promote sustainable waste management practices. While businesses will face higher compliance costs, the long-term benefits of improved environmental protection, responsible waste handling, and compliance with international treaties will help drive positive change in the waste management industry.
Do I need the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 in my ISO Compliance Register?
The International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 will affect the following businesses and sectors:
- Waste Management Companies: Businesses that handle, transport, and dispose of waste, particularly hazardous waste, will be directly impacted by the amendments. These companies will need to ensure compliance with new tracking, reporting, and due diligence requirements when handling international waste shipments.
- Exporters and Manufacturers: Companies that export waste, whether for recycling or disposal, will need to update their internal processes to align with the stricter regulations. This includes obtaining prior consent from destination countries, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that waste is sent to certified facilities.
- Recycling and Recovery Firms: Recycling companies, especially those involved in processing imported recyclable waste, will benefit from the increased focus on the circular economy. These companies may see growth in demand for their services as businesses seek more sustainable waste disposal solutions.
- Logistics and Transport Providers: Companies that specialise in the transportation of goods, including waste materials, will be affected by the stricter documentation and tracking requirements. They will need to ensure that waste shipments are properly documented and comply with the updated regulatory framework.
- International Waste Exporters: Businesses that export large quantities of waste to other countries, particularly for recycling or disposal, will need to establish clear contracts with international waste management facilities and ensure that these facilities meet environmental standards.
If this includes your business then we strongly recommend including the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 in your ISO Compliance Register.
Legislation related to the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024
Legislation related to the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 include:
- The International Waste Shipments (Amendment of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006) Regulations 2020
- The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007
- Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 on shipments of waste
- The Transfrontier Shipment of Hazardous Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1989
More information
Visit the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024 article on the legislation.gov.uk website.
Create an account in the ISO Compliance Register App and this article to your Register (this is amended by the International Waste Shipments (Amendment) Regulations 2024).
