India, Türkiye and Indonesia raise concerns over EU waste shipment rules: Chemical Industry Digest

India, Indonesia and Turkey have raised concerns about proposed European Union (EU) waste shipment rules. Critics say the rules, which cover both hazardous and recyclable waste, could go beyond legitimate environmental protection goals and could inadvertently disrupt international trade.

The issues were raised at a meeting of the WTO’s goods committee. While opposing countries recognised the EU’s right to protect public health and the environment from risks associated with unregulated waste shipments, they argued that the measures should not unnecessarily hinder international trade.

Since 2004, EU waste exports have increased by 72%, reaching 35 million tonnes per year in 2023. Almost 49% of this waste is sent to non-OECD countries. The new regulation mandates that from 21 May 2027, EU waste exports to non-OECD countries will only be allowed if these countries notify the European Commission of their willingness to import and demonstrate their ability to manage waste sustainably.

In 2022, India was the second largest recipient of waste from the EU, importing 3.5 million tonnes. Other major recipients were the UK (2.0 million tonnes), Switzerland (1.6 million tonnes), Norway (1.6 million tonnes), Egypt (1.6 million tonnes), Pakistan (1.2 million tonnes), Indonesia (1.1 million tonnes), Morocco and the US (both 0.8 million tonnes). Turkey was the largest importer, importing 12.4 million tonnes.

At the WTO meeting, Indonesia called for more communication and transparency in regulation, emphasizing the need to minimize barriers for countries wishing to use imported waste as raw materials and to avoid excessive administrative and certification requirements.

In response, the EU said the regulation includes measures to ensure that conditions for waste imported by other countries are broadly equivalent to those in the EU. The EU explained that while full compliance with EU rules is not required, the aim is to ensure that environmental protection in importing countries is comparable to that in the EU.

The EU has also expressed its willingness to consider the views of other countries and provide practical guidance on how to comply with the new waste shipment rules, thehindubusinessline.com reported.