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DIWASS: New EU Digital System for Waste Shipments to impact global recyclers

The European Commission has just adopted detailed rules for DIWASS, the new digital system for waste shipments. This system will determine how shipments of recycled materials to and from the EU and third countries will function after May 2026.

At first glance, this may seem like a technical update, but it carries real implications for recyclers both within Europe and beyond. The new system will:

  • Require all waste shipments documentation to go through a central EU digital platform
  • Apply to companies outside the EU, as they will now need to be registered by an EU authority before shipping
  • Introduce strict rules for user access, authentication, and long-term data storage
  • Depend on the varying speed of EU member state connection and readiness, potentially causing delays or confusion

For many recyclers, this will mean adjusting workflows, adapting to new digital processes, and navigating additional steps in cross-border shipments. It is especially relevant for companies exporting to or importing from the EU.

At BIR, we will continue engaging with EU institutions alongside EuRIC to ensure recyclers' voices are heard in this process. We encourage our members to reach out for further guidance as the WSR continues to be implemented.

 

Find more information on the European Commission's announcement here: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1710

For a comprehensive overview of the EU Waste Shipments Regulations, consult the BIR Business Digest: https://www.bir.org/en/publications/business-digest