🇪🇸 Spain
Regulatory Overview
Spain implements EU waste shipment regulation under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 through the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) and the autonomous communities (regional authorities). Transboundary waste shipments involving Spain are supervised at national and regional level and coordinated with other Member States in accordance with the regulation.
Competent Authorities
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) | National policy and coordination. |
| Autonomous community (regional) environment authorities | Permitting, notification review, and enforcement. |
| Customs authorities | Border control and shipment verification. |
Official authority: Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) — Waste shipment supervision is shared between the ministry and the competent autonomous community. Operators should consult the relevant regional authority or MITECO for notification procedures.
National Waste Shipment Procedures
Spain applies the EU notification procedure (prior written notification and consent) for waste subject to Annex IV and the Annex VII procedure for green-listed waste. Movement documents and facility reception and completion certificates are required. Operators interact with the competent authority (autonomous community or national) through the designated official channels; procedures may be digital or hybrid depending on the region.
DIWASS Implementation Status
Spain is preparing for mandatory use of the EU Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS). The access pathway may be the DIWASS graphical interface or a national/regional system interconnected with DIWASS. Operators should confirm registration and access requirements with the competent autonomous community or MITECO.
Official Resources
- Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) — Waste, circular economy, and transboundary shipments.
- Autonomous community environment authorities — Consult the competent region for notification submission and guidance.
Typical Waste Shipments
| Waste Type | Typical Flow |
|---|---|
| Metal scrap | Export or import for recycling within the EU |
| Plastic waste | Regional recycling flows |
| Paper and cardboard | Cross-border recycling |
Key Compliance Requirements
- Correct classification of waste streams.
- 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.
Related ESR Guides
- Understanding DIWASS Requirements
- Waste Shipment Notification Procedure
- How to Complete Annex VII Documentation
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.