A group of 16 European organizations from the recycling and materials sectors is calling on the European Commission to introduce a transition period for the new waste shipment rules set to enter into force on May 21, 2026, citing incomplete readiness of the digital system.

A coalition of 16 European organizations from the recycling and materials sectors, including FEAD and Plastics Europe, has submitted an official request to the European Commission for a transition period in the implementation of the new waste shipment regulations.
The updated rules are scheduled to become applicable on May 21, 2026, and introduce a mandatory digital system for the notification and tracking of waste shipments across EU member states.
According to the signatory organizations, the digital system is not yet fully operational, and industry operators are not fully prepared to implement it.
Waste shipments are a key component of the European recycling market, enabling the movement of materials to specialized processing facilities across different member states.
The industry request aims to allow a gradual implementation of the new requirements through a transition period.

Conclusion:
Without a transition period, the new rules risk creating operational disruptions and affecting the flow of recyclable materials across the European market.