The new European Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 marks the start of a new era for companies in the circular economy: the previously paper-based procedures for cross-border waste shipments will in future be handled digitally on a mandatory basis. The centrepiece of this transformation is the new DIWASS, the European Commission’s “Digital Waste Shipment System”. The Regulation entered into force on 20 May 2024 and will gradually replace the previous Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. The key provisions have applied since 21 May 2026.
DIGITALISATION BECOMES MANDATORY
A key element of the new regulation is the complete electronic transmission and processing of documents in the context of cross-border waste transports. According to Article 27 of the new regulation, the following, amongst other things, must be submitted and exchanged digitally:
- Notifications
- Accompanying documents
- Accompanying from the authorities
- Transport information
- Evidence of recovery or disposal
This will eventually phase out the traditional paper-based process. The EU’s objective is to accelerate processes, reduce administrative burdens and combat illegal waste shipments more effectively.
DIWASS: THE NEW CENTRAL EU SYSTEM
The new DIWASS has been developed by the European Commission and serves as the central platform for the digital exchange of all relevant information and documents relating to waste shipments within the EU. The system fulfils two functions:
- Direct use via a web-based EU portal
- Integration of national or company-internal systems via interoperable interfaces
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The digital obligation affects virtually all parties involved in cross-border waste transports:
- Notifiers
- Waste disposal operators
- Carriers
- Dealers
- Brokers
- Authorities
- Companies transporting green-listed waste
This means that digitalisation is becoming relevant not only for large waste management companies, but also for medium-sized enterprises and logistics service providers.
TRANSITIONAL PERIODS AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
Mandatory digital processing has applied to waste shipments requiring notification since 21 May 2026. For so-called Annex VII procedures, namely “green-listed waste”, a transitional arrangement until the end of 2026 has now been communicated due to technical delays in the implementation of DIWASS. However, companies should not regard this additional time as a postponement: the future of waste shipment is digital – and preparations for this should begin no later than now.