The European waste transhipment rules due to come into force by 2027 had the potential to help manage the export of waste tyres, however, things may not be as they seem
The Bureau of International Recyclers (BIR) has announced that b has confirmed that 24 countries have submitted applications to continue receiving non-hazardous waste from the EU beyond May 2027, when the new export prohibitions under the EU Waste Shipments Regulation will enter into force.
These applications, received by the 21 February 2025 deadline, came from: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Nigeria, North-Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Tyres are currently listed as non-hazardous, and as such, those countries which have applied to the EC for continued imports of non-hazardous waste may continue to import beyond the implementation date of the Waste Transhipment Regulations.
This is notwithstanding the laws that make it illegal to export to markets where there is a failure to meet EC standards on emissions. Or, indeed, where the destination market has banned the import of waste tyres such as Nigeria, or where the have a ban on the import of tyres for pyrolysis – such as India and Pakistan.
In those three instances, it is common knowledge that illegal imports continue unabated. An opportunity has been missed to bring tyre exports under control.
BIR is a global association, and it represents the interests of its members around the world, including players in markets such as India. BIR’s motivations are not quite aligned with those of the European Commission. BIR wants more non-OECD countries to apply for non-hazardous waste approval. Not because it helps improve recycling but rather because it is bad for business if they see markets closed off.
BIR states in its press release: “Throughout this process, BIR has worked to represent our global membership’s interests and highlight international trade’s role in resource efficiency. We remain concerned about potential impact on recyclers in non-applicant countries and EU recyclers who rely on these export markets. We assure members that BIR will continue its advocacy efforts, working closely with our member association EuRIC to ensure the implementation process addresses recyclers’ concerns and minimises supply chain disruptions.”
