Global developments · 9 October 2026
EU publishes draft waste export country list and Türkiye assessment
The European Commission has opened consultation on a draft list for non-hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries until 16 October. A separate report assesses plastic waste exports to Türkiye.
On 18 September 2026, the European Commission published a draft list of non-OECD countries that could be authorised to import non-hazardous waste from the EU. It also released an assessment of the sustainable management of plastic waste sent to Türkiye. The draft is not yet a final authorisation list. [Source](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-draft-list-countries-authorised-import-eu-waste-2026-09-18_en)
Consultation closes on 16 October
Thirty-two countries requested to continue receiving EU waste. The Commission assessed their applications, including their capacity to manage waste sustainably, and summarised its findings in a report accompanying the draft list. Stakeholders can participate in the online consultation until 16 October. The first authorised-country list is to be established by the end of 2026. It will be updated regularly, at least every two years, and countries not included will be able to apply or reapply. [Source](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-draft-list-countries-authorised-import-eu-waste-2026-09-18_en)
Official source: European Commission — Environment ↗Existing rules set the export timetable
The Waste Shipment Regulation, adopted in 2024 and in force since 20 May 2024, introduces stricter export rules. As a general principle, EU waste exports to non-OECD countries will stop from 21 May 2027. Exceptions may be authorised for countries that explicitly request continued imports and demonstrate sustainable management capacity. Plastic waste has a separate deadline: exports to non-OECD countries will be banned from 21 November 2026. These dates come from the existing Regulation; the country list is the element under consultation. [Source](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-draft-list-countries-authorised-import-eu-waste-2026-09-18_en)
Official source: European Commission — Environment ↗Türkiye report identifies progress and information gaps
The assessment focused on Türkiye because it is the leading OECD destination for EU plastic waste exports. In 2025, Türkiye received 510,000 tonnes out of the EU’s total plastic waste exports of 1.4 million tonnes. The report acknowledges stronger Turkish legislation on plastic waste management and imports, alongside enforcement improvements including increased controls and higher fines. However, it identifies needs for further information and progress on waste generation and treatment data transparency, implementation of legislation preventing environmental harm from imported waste, and governance arrangements. [Source](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-draft-list-countries-authorised-import-eu-waste-2026-09-18_en)
Official source: European Commission — Environment ↗Monitoring and cooperation with Türkiye will continue
The Commission says it will engage with Türkiye’s competent authorities on the findings and continue monitoring plastic waste exports. The announcement does not introduce a new export ban for Türkiye. Under the Regulation, the Commission must monitor plastic waste exports to OECD countries and assess whether recipients can manage them in an environmentally sound manner. For broader context, the EU exported 32 million tonnes of waste in 2025, with approximately 40% destined for non-OECD countries. [Source](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-publishes-draft-list-countries-authorised-import-eu-waste-2026-09-18_en)
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