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🇩🇪 Germany

Regulatory Overview​

Germany implements EU waste shipment regulation under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 through federal and state (Länder) environmental authorities. Transboundary waste shipments involving Germany are supervised by the Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) for coordination and international procedures, and by the competent authorities of the Länder for permitting and enforcement. Customs authorities support border control and verification of shipment documentation.

Competent Authorities​

AuthorityRole
Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency)National coordination, international procedures, and waste shipment policy.
State (Länder) environmental authoritiesPermitting, notification review, and enforcement (varies by Bundesland).
Customs authoritiesBorder control and shipment verification.

Official authority: Umweltbundesamt (UBA) — Waste shipment notifications and international coordination are handled in coordination with the responsible state authority. The relevant state environmental authority depends on the location of the notifier, facility, or shipment route.

National Waste Shipment Procedures​

Germany uses a national digital system for waste shipment documentation. Operators submit notifications and related documentation through the designated electronic procedures. The notification procedure (prior written notification and consent) applies to waste listed in Annex IV to the regulation; the Annex VII procedure applies to green-listed waste and requires an Annex VII document to accompany the shipment. Movement documents and facility reception and completion certificates are required as set out in the regulation. Operators interact with the competent authority (state or federal, as applicable) through the national system and official channels.

National Digital Systems​

Germany operates the electronic waste shipment system ZKS-Abfall (Zentrales Koordinierungssystem Abfall), which supports digital submission of shipment notifications and documentation. The system is expected to interconnect with the EU Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS) to fulfil the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157.

DIWASS Implementation Status​

Germany is preparing for mandatory use of DIWASS. The expected access pathway for operators is expected to be via the national system (ZKS-Abfall) interconnected with DIWASS, with the possibility of direct use of the DIWASS graphical interface where applicable. The competent state and federal authorities are responsible for implementation guidance; operators should confirm access and registration requirements with the relevant authority.

Official Resources​

  • Umweltbundesamt (Federal Environment Agency) — Waste and circular economy, international waste shipments.
  • State (Länder) environment ministries and agencies — Contact details and portals vary by federal state; consult the responsible Land authority for notification submission and guidance.

Typical Waste Shipments​

Waste TypeTypical Flow
Metal scrapExport or import for recycling within the EU
Plastic wasteRegional recycling flows
Paper and cardboardCross-border recycling

Key Compliance Requirements​

  • Correct classification of waste streams (e.g. Annex III, IV).
  • Notification approval and consent where required before shipment.
  • Financial guarantees for notified shipments where applicable.
  • Use of authorised recovery or disposal facilities.
  • Complete movement documentation and Annex VII documentation for green-listed waste.

Regulatory Note​

Waste shipment procedures may vary depending on the type of waste and shipment route. Operators should consult the competent authority in the country of export, import, and transit for specific procedural requirements.