India among 24 nations approved for EU recycled material imports under new Waste Shipment Rules

India among 24 nations approved for EU recycled material imports under new Waste Shipment Rules

- In 2023, India, as the primary destination, saw EU exports increase by over 50%, reaching 2.3 million tonnes
- Exports of recovered paper are vital for the EU, especially considering the weak demand in its domestic paper industry
The Pulp and Paper Times:

The new EU Waste Shipment Regulation 1157/2024 (WSR) threatens to disrupt global recycling markets and put Europe’s recycling industry at a severe competitive disadvantage. Under the new WSR rules, non-OECD countries had until 21 February 2025 to notify the European Commission of their willingness to import non-hazardous EU materials, providing extensive data on environmentally sound management.

The European Commission has officially confirmed that the following countries have successfully' submitted their notification: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam. 

Speaking to The Pulp and Paper Times, Ms. Julia Ettinger, Secretary General of EuRIC, said, ‘Exports of recovered paper are vital for the EU, especially considering the weak demand in its domestic paper industry. As shown by the 13% drop in paper production and a 7% decrease in recovered paper consumption in 2023 (CEPI data), Europe is generating more recovered paper than it can process. With imports to Germany down sharply, exporting surplus material to the Far East has become essential. In 2023, India, as the primary destination, saw EU exports increase by over 50%, reaching 2.3 million tonnes.’

EURIC, the voice of Europe's recycling industries warmly welcomes the successful notification of 24 non-OECD countries to be approved as export destinations for EU recycled materials under new EU waste shipment rules. However, with nearly 150 non-OECD countries having failed to submit their notification on time, an automatic export ban by 21 May 2027 remains a serious risk. EURIC urges them to act quickly to ensure that international trade of recycled materials keeps running smoothly.

The objective is to ensure that, instead of exporting its waste problems, the EU contributes to the environmentally sound management of waste, and better addresses the illegal trafficking of waste. 

EuRIC repeatedly warned that many would struggle to meet the deadline, due to a lack of sufficient information regarding the new rules and of preparedness to compile the required data within the deadline.

“By imposing restrictions on exports, the European recycling industry could find itself in a difficult position. The consequences for European recyclers could be severe. A sudden surplus of recovered paper within the EU could drive prices down, making recycling less financially viable. If the EU were no longer allowed to export recovered paper - amounting to 8 million tons annually - this material would likely end up being incinerated or landfilled rather than recycled, leading to both environmental and economic absurdity. The European paper recycling market would shrink dramatically, undermining efforts to further invest in the circular economy,” Ms. Julia added. 

EURIC appreciates the European Commission's efforts in engaging with non-OECD countries, ensuring transparency on received notifications, and most importantly, showing flexiblity by allowing late submissions from non-OECD countries, as EuRIC strongly advocated.

Committed to a global, free and fair trade system for recycled materials still classified as waste, including resources like paper, metals and textiles, EURIC will continue working to ensure the new EU waste shipment rule support, rather than hinder, the circular economy.

The first list of countries authorised to receive waste from the EU will be established by 21 November 2026. Exports of waste to non-OECD countries that are not included in the list will be prohibited from 21 May 2027. This list will be updated regularly and at least every two years.

Countries that have not submitted a request by 21 February 2025 can still send one to the Commission. These requests will still be considered, but there is no guarantee that their assessment will be finalised before establishing the first list of countries authorised to import waste from the EU. This first list is planned for adoption in November 2026. 
 

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