Waste Shipment Regulation and its impact on the global market for post-consumer textiles

The new Regulation on Waste Shipments aims to:
- ensure that the EU does not export its waste challenges to third countries and contributes to environmentally sound management of waste;
- strengthen enforcement to prevent illegal shipments of waste within the EU and from the EU to third countries;
- increase the traceability of waste shipments within the EU and facilitate recycling and reuse, in line with the circular economy.

The new Waste Shipments Regulation officially entered into force on 20 May 2024; however, most of its provisions will apply from 21 May 2026, with the majority of export rules becoming applicable from 21 May 2027.

The panel discussion will focus on the implementation of the regulation, particularly its role in advancing circularity within the global textile market and ensuring transparent and compliant export practices. 

The session will explore major challenges associated with exporting second-hand clothing to the Global South, while also highlighting the positive contributions this trade has made in numerous countries.

Program 

Moderator:
Karina Bolin, Humana People to People Italy

Introduction by the moderator

Implementation of the WSR: sector readiness and challenges
Paolo Campanella, Secretary General, FEAD

The Basel Convention: waste exports and the need for clear definition and custom codes
Hannah Parris, Research Associate, University of Cambridge

Customs Agencies and the WSR: towards more effective controls for textile waste exports
Tiziana Satta, Funzionario Direzione Dogane Uff. Controlli, Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli

Transparency in the post-consumer textiles waste value chain: the role of the Multiutilities
Melina Glorioso, Senior Environmental Specialist Engineer, Utilitalia

Q&A, Discussion and Closing Remarks by the Chair