BIR Urges Recycling Industry to Respond to EU Waste Shipment Rules by 16 October

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) is urging affected recycling companies to respond by 16 October 2026 to the European Commission’s consultation on a draft list of non-OECD countries authorised to receive certain non-hazardous waste exports from the EU. The industry body warned that excluding major destinations for ferrous and non-ferrous metal scrap could disrupt established international trade flows and recycling supply chains when the restrictions take effect.

In an update dated 13 October, BIR said it was coordinating an international outreach campaign involving recycling companies, national associations, European industry groups, diplomatic missions and government authorities. The organisation has contacted diplomatic missions representing 18 countries and territories, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and held direct discussions with representatives of several affected trading partners.

BIR has also engaged with European recycling associations, including Recycling Europe, and gathered member contributions and case studies to support its consolidated response. The organisation said its outreach had revealed varying levels of awareness among relevant authorities about the proposed list and the consultation deadline, prompting further efforts to clarify the process and encourage engagement.

BIR is finalising its submission for the 16 October deadline. The response will examine potential consequences for international trade and recycling supply chains, drawing on industry evidence and legal analysis. Issues under consideration include the legal basis for the proposed approach and the supporting evidence used in the environmental assessment of metal waste streams. BIR is advocating for measures that are proportionate, evidence-based and consistent with environmentally sound recycling.

The organisation is encouraging affected companies to submit individual feedback and engage with their national authorities and industry associations. Members are advised to provide supporting evidence where available and may request an extension to the consultation period. However, BIR cautioned that requests for additional time should not delay submissions before the existing deadline.

According to BIR’s timeline, the final list of authorised non-OECD countries is expected on 21 November 2026, with the new rules scheduled to apply from 21 May 2027. The European Commission is required to update the list at least every two years. BIR said it would continue monitoring the process and informing members of further developments.

Source: The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The proposed EU waste shipment rules could affect international scrap metal trade routes, making industry participation in the consultation an important step in communicating potential impacts on recycling markets and material recovery supply chains.