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Waste Shipment Notification Procedure

Regulatory Guide to Prior Written Notification and Consent for Transboundary Waste Shipments

Last updated: March 2026 | Regulatory basis: Regulation (EU) 2024/1157

Key Points​

  • The notification procedure applies to waste shipments requiring prior written notification and consent under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157.
  • The procedure involves the competent authorities of export, import, and any transit countries.
  • A financial guarantee is typically required before consent is granted.
  • From 21 May 2026, notification procedures must be processed electronically through the DIWASS system or interconnected national platforms.

Overview​

The waste shipment notification procedure is the regulatory mechanism through which certain transboundary waste movements are subject to prior written notification and consent before shipment may take place. The procedure exists to ensure that waste classified as posing higher environmental or health risks is tracked, controlled, and only moved when the competent authorities of the countries concerned have assessed the notification and granted consent.

The procedure supports environmental protection goals by requiring disclosure of waste characteristics, intended transport routes, recovery or disposal operations, and financial provisions. It enables regulatory oversight of cross-border waste movements and ensures that shipments to disposal operations or of non-green-listed waste are authorised only where the authorities of export, import, and any transit states are satisfied that the shipment will be managed in accordance with applicable rules.

The notification procedure applies primarily to:

  • non-green-listed waste — waste that is not included in the green list (Annex III to the Regulation) and therefore requires prior notification and consent;
  • waste requiring prior consent — shipments for which the Regulation explicitly requires the notification procedure to be completed before the waste is moved;
  • shipments to disposal operations — waste destined for disposal, which is subject to stricter control and notification requirements.

The notification procedure is governed by Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on shipments of waste (the Waste Shipment Regulation), which repeals and replaces Regulation (EC) 1013/2006. The Regulation establishes the framework for prior written notification and consent, the roles of competent authorities, and the obligations of notifiers and other parties.

Relevant provisions cover:

  • Notification requirements — the obligation to submit a notification to the competent authority of destination, with copies to the competent authorities of export and transit, including the content and format of the notification dossier;
  • Consent procedures — the process by which competent authorities acknowledge receipt, assess the notification, and issue consent, consent with conditions, or objection;
  • Responsibilities of competent authorities — the obligations of the competent authority of export, the competent authority of destination (and, where applicable, dispatch), and the competent authorities of transit countries to cooperate, set time limits, and reach decisions in accordance with the Regulation.

The detailed procedural steps and time limits are set out in the Regulation and in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1290 establishing technical and operational requirements for the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS), which applies from 21 May 2026.

Parties Involved in the Procedure​

The notification procedure involves the following parties, each with defined responsibilities under the Regulation.

Notifier. The person or undertaking that submits the notification. The notifier is responsible for preparing and submitting the notification dossier to the competent authority of destination and for ensuring that the information provided is accurate and complete. The notifier must respond to requests from competent authorities and, where consent is granted, ensure that subsequent steps (movement documents, carrier transfer certificates, reception certificates) are completed in accordance with the consent.

Waste producer. The undertaking whose activities produce the waste. The producer may be the same as the notifier or may provide information to the notifier for inclusion in the notification. The producer’s identity and the origin of the waste form part of the notification dossier.

Consignee. The undertaking to which the waste is shipped for recovery or disposal. The consignee must be identified in the notification and must operate a facility that is authorised to carry out the intended recovery or disposal operation. The consignee is responsible for issuing reception certificates upon receipt of the waste.

Recovery or disposal facility. The facility where the waste will be recovered or disposed of. The facility must hold the necessary permits and must be registered or otherwise recognised in accordance with national and EU law. Facility details, including the intended recovery or disposal operation (R or D code), are part of the notification.

Carriers. Undertakings that physically transport the waste. Carriers do not submit the notification but are responsible for completing movement documents and carrier transfer certificates when custody of the shipment changes. They must comply with the conditions attached to the consent.

Competent authority of export. The authority of the Member State from which the waste is dispatched. It receives a copy of the notification, may provide opinions or objections, and is responsible for ensuring that the shipment does not leave its territory until the procedure has been completed in accordance with the Regulation.

Competent authority of destination. The authority of the Member State to which the waste is destined. It receives the notification, acknowledges receipt, coordinates with other authorities, and issues the decision (consent, consent with conditions, or objection). It is typically the lead authority in the procedure.

Competent authorities of transit countries. The authorities of any Member States through which the waste will be transported. They receive a copy of the notification and may consent, object, or attach conditions. Transit consent is required before the shipment may pass through the territory of a transit country.

Notification Procedure — Step by Step​

1. Preparation of notification dossier​

The notifier prepares a complete notification dossier containing the information required by the Regulation, including waste identification, quantities, origin, intended transport route, consignee and facility details, recovery or disposal operation, and financial guarantee arrangements. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay the procedure or lead to objections.

2. Submission of notification​

The notifier submits the notification to the competent authority of destination and sends copies to the competent authority of export and to the competent authorities of any transit countries. From 21 May 2026, submission must be made electronically via the DIWASS platform or an interconnected national or commercial system.

3. Acknowledgement of receipt​

The competent authority of destination acknowledges receipt of the notification within a specified period. The acknowledgement confirms that the notification has been received and that the procedural time limits have started. The notifier may not proceed with the shipment until a decision has been issued.

4. Review by competent authorities​

The competent authorities of destination, export, and transit review the notification. They may request additional information from the notifier. The authority of destination coordinates the procedure and gathers the responses of the other authorities within the time limits set by the Regulation.

The competent authority of destination issues a decision: consent, consent with conditions, or objection. Consent may be subject to conditions relating to the transport route, the financial guarantee, or other aspects of the shipment. An objection from the authority of export, destination, or transit prevents the shipment from taking place as notified.

6. Financial guarantee verification​

Where required by the Regulation or by the competent authorities, the notifier must provide a financial guarantee or equivalent assurance before consent is effective. The guarantee is intended to cover the costs of shipment and of recovery or disposal, including any necessary repatriation or alternative disposal. The competent authority verifies that the guarantee is in place and sufficient before the shipment may begin.

Once consent has been granted and any conditions (including the financial guarantee) have been satisfied, the notifier and carriers complete movement documents for each shipment carried out within the validity period of the consent. Carrier transfer certificates are completed when custody of the waste changes. All documentation must be completed in accordance with the consent and, from 21 May 2026, via DIWASS or interconnected systems.

8. Completion and recovery confirmation​

Upon receipt of the waste, the consignee issues a reception certificate. The recovery or disposal facility subsequently issues facility reception and completion certificates to confirm that the waste has been received and that the recovery or disposal operation has been completed. These documents close the lifecycle of the notification and must be transmitted to the competent authorities and, where applicable, recorded in DIWASS.

Financial Guarantee Requirements​

Financial guarantees are a core element of the notification procedure. They are required to ensure that, in the event of insolvency or non-compliance, funds are available to cover the costs of the shipment and of recovery or disposal, and to avoid the waste being abandoned or improperly managed.

The Regulation allows competent authorities to require the notifier to provide a guarantee (e.g. insurance, bank guarantee, or other form approved by the authority) before consent is granted or before the shipment may commence. The guarantee typically covers:

  • costs of transport and of the intended recovery or disposal operation;
  • costs of repatriation or alternative disposal if the shipment cannot be completed as planned;
  • other costs that may arise from non-compliance or environmental damage.

The level and form of the guarantee are determined by the competent authority in accordance with national practice and the specific shipment. Consent may be conditional upon the guarantee being in place and maintained for the duration of the shipment and until completion of recovery or disposal.

Digitalisation Under DIWASS​

From 21 May 2026, the notification procedure must be carried out electronically through the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS) or through national or commercial systems interconnected with DIWASS, in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1290.

Under the DIWASS platform:

  • Electronic submission of notification dossiers — Notifications are submitted via the DIWASS interface or an interconnected system. Paper-based notifications will no longer be accepted for procedures falling within the scope of the Regulation.

  • Digital exchange of consent decisions — Competent authorities issue acknowledgements of receipt, consents, objections, and conditions through DIWASS. Notifiers and other parties receive decisions electronically and can track the status of the procedure in the system.

  • Integration with national systems — Member States that operate national waste shipment systems may connect them to DIWASS via the interoperability hub. Operators in those Member States may use the national system to submit notifications and receive decisions, with data exchanged with DIWASS in accordance with the technical specifications.

Operators should confirm with their competent authority whether they must use the central DIWASS interface or may use a national or commercial system, and ensure that all sites involved in the shipment are registered in DIWASS before starting the procedure.

Transition from Regulation (EC) 1013/2006​

Regulation (EC) 1013/2006 is repealed with effect from 21 May 2026. Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 governs the notification procedure from that date.

Transition rules apply to shipments already under way:

  • Notifications for which the competent authority of destination has issued an acknowledgement of receipt before 21 May 2026 are completed under the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1013/2006. The procedure (including consent, movement documents, and completion) continues under the former regulation.

  • Consents granted under Article 9 of Regulation (EC) 1013/2006 remain valid after 21 May 2026. The final treatment of the shipped waste must be completed by 21 May 2027 at the latest, unless otherwise provided.

Operators holding existing consents should confirm with their competent authority how the transition affects their shipments and which procedural and documentary requirements apply.

Compliance Considerations for Operators​

Operators involved in notified waste shipments should:

  • Preparing notification documentation — Ensure the notification dossier is complete and accurate before submission. Incorrect or incomplete information may lead to requests for clarification, delays, or objections.

  • Coordination with competent authorities — Respond promptly to requests from competent authorities and respect the procedural time limits. Designate a single point of contact where appropriate.

  • Ensuring financial guarantees are in place — Confirm with the competent authority whether a guarantee is required and obtain it before the consent becomes effective or before the shipment begins, as applicable.

  • Monitoring shipment movements — Ensure that each movement under a consent is covered by a movement document and that carrier transfer certificates are completed when custody changes. From 21 May 2026, use DIWASS or an interconnected system for all documentation.

  • Maintaining regulatory records — Keep records of the notification, consent, movement documents, and completion certificates in accordance with national and EU retention requirements. These records may be subject to inspection by competent authorities.

Key References​

  • Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council on shipments of waste
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1290 establishing technical and operational requirements for the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS)
  • European Commission — Waste shipments

Legislative References​

[1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on shipments of waste

[2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1290 establishing technical and operational requirements for the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS)

European Shipment Review provides regulatory information for compliance purposes. This guide reflects the position as of March 2026. Operators should consult their national competent authority for jurisdiction-specific requirements.