New EU regulation on waste shipments and the introduction of the DIWASS digital system
The Ministry of Environment and Water informs all stakeholders that a new Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on waste shipments has been adopted at the European Union level, which entered into force on 21 May 2024 and will gradually replace the currently applicable Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.
The new regulatory framework aims to modernize EU rules on waste shipments by:
facilitating shipments for reuse and recycling within the EU;
limiting the export of environmental problems to third countries;
strengthening control and combating illegal waste shipments;
increasing transparency and traceability.
An essential element of the new regulation is the introduction of a mandatory electronic information exchange system – the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS), developed by the European Commission.
Important deadlines
The following key deadlines are introduced in connection with the transition to the new regime:
| Date | Event | Discription |
| 21st April 2026 | Recommended deadline for submitting new applications under Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 | Recommended deadline for submitting new applications for prior written notification and consent under Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 |
| The DIWASS system will be open for operator registration | The DIWASS system will allow operators to register | |
| 21st May 2026 | Mandatory use of the DIWASS system | The use of DIWASS becomes mandatory for every application submission and exchange of information on waste shipments |
| New rules for waste shipments within the EU come into force | ||
| Exports of all plastic waste (both to OECD and non-OECD countries) are subject to the prior written notification and consent procedure. | ||
| 21st November 2026 | Ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries comes into effect | Export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries is prohibited |
| Publication of a list of non-OECD countries that can receive green list waste from the EU | ||
| 21st May 2027 | Implementation of the new rules for waste exports to third countries | New export rules apply to OECD and non-OECD countries |
| Exporters must provide/obtain an audit of the receiving facility | ||
| Exports to non-OECD countries are only permitted if they are included in the list published on November 21, 2026. | ||
| Regulation (EC) 1418/2007 ceases to apply |
Introduction of the DIWASS digital system
As of 21 May 2026, all procedures related to cross-border shipments of waste will be carried out entirely through DIWASS, including:
submission of applications for prior written notification and consent, as well as Annex VII for green waste;
exchange of information between competent authorities and operators.
The system will provide a centralised electronic platform for:
registration of operators and facilities;
tracking of deadlines and procedures;
recovery facilities that have received prior consent, including maintaining a register;
secure data exchange within the EU.
What do operators need to do before 21 May 2026?
All operators involved in waste shipments must register with DIWASS.
This includes:
- Notifiers/exporters
- Persons arranging the shipment
- Importers/recipients
- Waste generators
- Treatment facilities
- Waste carriers
All third country operators involved in shipments with EU participants
Registration will require an EU Login account, EORI number* and UIC/VAT.
DIWASS will be open for registration after 21.04.2026, with each operator having to designate at least one master user who will manage/add additional users.
* The EORI number is an identification number unique to the customs territory of the European Union, for the purpose of its use for customs purposes. The EORI number is required for communication between economic operators and/or natural persons with the customs administrations of the Member States (Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013).
IMPORTANT!!!
Transitional provisions
Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 shall continue to apply to shipments for which a notification has been submitted in accordance with Article 4 of that Regulation and for which the competent authority of destination has given its confirmation in accordance with Article 8 of that Regulation before 21 May 2026. The provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 shall not apply to such shipments.
The recovery or disposal of waste in a shipment for which the competent authorities concerned have given their consent in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 must be completed no later than 21 May 2027.
A shipment for which the competent authorities concerned have given their consent in accordance with Article 14, para. 2 of Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (recovery facilities with prior consent), must be completed no later than 21 May 2029.
Further information and instructions, including video tutorials on how to use the DIWASS system, will be published in due course on the Ministry’s website.
