| Author (Corporate) | European Commission: DG Environment |
|---|---|
| Series Details | COM (2021) 709 |
| Publication Date | 17/11/2021 |
| Content Type | Blog & Commentary, News, Policy-making |
Summary:Legislative initiative tabled by the European Commission on 17 November 2021, seeking to introduce stronger rules on waste exports, a more efficient system for the circulation of waste as a resource and action against waste trafficking. It introduces amendments to Regulation (EU) No 1257/2013 and Regulation (EU) No 2020/1056. This is a text with EEA relevance. Further information:The European Union (EU) is an important player in global trade in waste, and considerable volumes of waste are being shipped between Member States. Waste shipped across borders can generate risks for human health and the environment, especially when not properly controlled. At the same time, these wastes often have a positive economic value, notably as secondary raw materials that can replace and reduce dependencies on primary materials and thereby contribute to a more circular economy. Measures on the supervision and control of shipments of waste have been in place in the EU since 1984. The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and in 1992 the OECD adopted a legally binding Decision on the control of transboundary movements of wastes destined for recovery operations. Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 - also known as the Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR) - implemented in EU law the provisions of both the Basel Convention and the OECD Decision. This draft law proposes a review of the WSR aiming to increase the level of protection of the environment and public health from the impacts of unsound transboundary shipments of waste. It addresses the problems identified in an assessment published by the European Commission in January 2020. It also responds to actions in the framework of the European Green Deal and the latest Circular Economy Action Plan. The revision seeks to facilitate shipments of waste for reuse and recycling in the EU, ensure that the EU does not export its waste challenges to third countries, and tackle illegal waste shipments. The proposed Regulation was adopted by the European Commission on 17 November 2021. The plenary of the European Parliament endorsed a negotiating position on 17 January 2023. The Council of the European Union adopted its general approach to the draft law on 24 May. An informal agreement between the co-legislators on a compromise text for this file was reached on 17 November 2023. |
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| Source Link | https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=COM:2021:709:FIN |
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| Subject Categories | Environment, Trade |
| Subject Tags | Export | Import Controls, Waste |
| Keywords | Circular Economy |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
