Transboundary shipments of waste – new regulations and the DIWASS system

On 21 May 2026, Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2024/1157 of 11 April 2024, introducing the most significant reform of the rules on transboundary movements of waste (TPO) within the Community in over a decade. The new regulations are intended to strengthen controls over the international transport of waste, limit its export outside the EU and contribute to the development of the circular economy.

The DIWASS system – mandatory digitisation of cross-border waste shipments

From 21 May 2026. All EU entities participating in the TPO are required to use the DIWASS system (English. Digital Waste Shipment System), which is used for the electronic transmission of all transport-related documentation. It is intended to streamline administrative procedures, increase the transparency of the waste shipment process and facilitate the work of the supervisory authorities, which will gain full access to the documentation.

The following must be submitted via the DIWASS system: documents submitted as part of the notification procedure (i.e. prior written notification and consent), as well as those relating to information procedures. The only part not yet covered by the digital system is Annex VII, which relates to the shipment of waste on the so-called ‘green list’. As reported by GIOŚ, Between 21 May and 31 December 2026, Annex VII may be submitted in paper form, whilst the creation of an electronic version of the document will remain optional. From 1 January 2027, all documentation relating to the transboundary shipment of waste will be maintained exclusively in electronic form.

New regulations enable the completion of proceedings initiated under Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006. Permits issued in accordance with the previous regulations remain valid for the period specified therein, provided that the final recovery of the waste is completed:

• until 20 May 2027, if the customer’s installation is not covered by a preliminary authorisation,
• until 20 May 2029, provided that the customer’s installation is covered by a preliminary authorisation.

Przemysław Kurowicki, an expert on transboundary waste shipments, provided a detailed explanation of the new rules on waste shipments and the operation of the DIWASS system during a free Interzero webinar:

Who is required to use the DIWASS system?

The obligation to register with and use DIWASS rests with all entities involved in TPO, namely:

• the party submitting the TPO,
• organiser of the movement,
• carrier,
• recipients,
• waste producers,
• the operator of a waste treatment plant.

Before submitting the first documents Entities subject to the obligation must register with the DIWASS system. During registration, they must provide their main identification number – the EORI number, or, if this is not available, their NIP – as well as the required registration numbers, in particular the REGON number and the BDO number. Registration requires approval by the Chief Inspector of Environmental Protection (GIOŚ).

It will be possible to submit data and documentation via the DIWASS system once the registration has been approved by GIOŚ.

The DIWASS system will also be used by authorities responsible for handling notifications and supervising TPO. Currently, in Poland, these powers are held by the Department for the Transboundary Movement of Waste at the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (GIOŚ). Access to all electronic documentation will also be granted to supervisory bodies, e.g. provincial environmental protection inspectorates, the Road Transport Inspectorate, the Border Guard, the National Revenue Administration and the Police – to the extent necessary to carry out the inspection.

What other changes does Regulation 2024/1157 introduce?

Regulation 2024/1157 not only strengthens controls on the movement of waste, but also introduces new restrictions on its export to third countries, including:

• a ban on the export of waste intended for disposal to third countries, with the exception of the EFTA countries,
• ban on the shipment of hazardous waste intended for recovery or disposal from EU Member States, OECD countries and Liechtenstein to third countries (the so-called ‘Basel ban’ amendment),
• export ban non-hazardous waste, including plastic waste to countries not covered by the OECD decision. An exception will be made for countries which have demonstrated their ability to manage such waste safely and have been included in the list maintained by the European Commission.

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Sources:

1. Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on the shipment of waste, amending Regulations (EU) No 1257/2013 and (EU) 2020/1056, and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 (Text with EEA relevance)
2. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1290 of 2 July 2025 laying down rules for the application of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2024/1157 as regards the requirements necessary to ensure interoperability between the central system enabling the electronic transmission and exchange of information and documents relating to the shipment of waste and other systems or software, as well as other technical and organisational requirements necessary for the practical implementation of such electronic transmission and exchange of information and documents