Export of waste within the EU - Request notification

Within the European Union (EU), including the EFTA states (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland), the cross-border import or export (shipment) of waste is permitted. To do this, you must have previously carried out an approval procedure (notification procedure). This procedure is mandatory for shipments of waste on the "yellow" waste list, non-listed waste and, in general, waste destined for disposal.

Hint: Different rules apply to transboundary shipments of waste, depending on the

• classification of waste (Green or Yellow Waste List),
• type of disposal (recovery or disposal), and
• Recipient State.
   

If you want to export waste to non-EU or EFTA countries, you should contact the competent authority at an early stage to find out about the specific regulations that apply.

You can find out which wastes are classified and how in the "Consolidated Lists of Wastes" of the Basel Convention Focal Point.

The notification shall be valid for a maximum of one year. Only notifications on recovery facilities with prior approval can be valid for up to 3 years.

However, the authorities may also authorise shorter periods. In this case, the shipment of waste is allowed as long as the consents of all authorities are valid.

For the export of "green" waste for recycling within the EU, only information requirements apply.

The regional council in whose administrative district the shipment is to begin is responsible.

completed application forms

Hint: In addition to the required forms, further documents are required. Please inquire directly with the competent authority which documents are necessary in your case.

The waste shall be either:

• intended for disposal, or
• in the Yellow Waste List.

The notification procedure must always be carried out in writing. As an exporter (notifier), you must apply for the planned shipment with the notification and movement document at the competent authority of the place of dispatch.

Hint: The forms are available from relevant specialist publishers. Sample forms (notification and accompanying form) as well as completion instructions are available for download on the pages of the Federal Environment Agency as well as under "Forms and online services".

The competent authority shall examine the application and involve the authorities of the country of destination and, possibly, of the countries of transit in the further procedure. The authorities of the place of dispatch and the country of destination must give their written consent to the shipment; tacit consent is possible in the case of transit countries.

The exporter shall receive from

• the competent authority of the place of dispatch, and
• the competent authority of the place of destination, and
• where applicable, by the competent authority of transit

If one of the authorities objects to the shipment of waste, these will also be sent in writing.

Fees: depending on the total amount of waste requested