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 occurring within the EU, as well as from the EU to third countries;
• increase traceability of waste shipments within the EU and facilitate recycling and reuse, in line with the circular economy.

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

The discussion panel will focus on the regulation's implementation, particularly 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 highlighting the positive contributions this trade has made in numerous countries.

Session Chair

Karina Bolin, UNIRAU

Program 

Introduction by the Session Chair

Euric the implementation of the WSR and the need for the sector to be ready
- What will change in April 2027 with the full implementation of the Waste Shipment Regulation? 
- How does the End-of-Waste Criteria align with the principles of the Waste Shipment Regulation?
- What are the key obstacles in meeting the objectives of the EU Strategy for sustainable and circular textiles, particularly in relation to the Waste Shipment Regulation?

Philippe Doliger, Recycling Europe

The Basel Convention: Waste Exports and need for clear definition and custom codes
- Presenting the study and definition of used textiles and textiles waste
- Customs codes and proposing necessary updates to streamline export procedures
- The importance of accurate data for better comprehension and effective decision-making

Representative of Cambridge University Hannah Parris (TBD)

Better tools for control by the custom Agencies 
Claudio Oliviero, Agenzia delle Dogane (TBC)

Transparent in the post-consumer textiles waste value chain – the role of the Multiutilities
- How can the Multiutilities support a transparent supply chain of post-consumer textiles
- Sorting and export from the Italian sorting centers; opportunities and risk

Representative of Utilitalia (TBD)

Questions and Answers

Discussion and closure by the Chairs