The European Commission has proposed not to allow India, Pakistan and Bangladesh to import ferrous scrap from the EU from May 21, 2027. This is reported by Kallanish.
These countries are included in the draft list of non-OECD countries that may be allowed to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union after the new waste transportation rules come into force. However, the European Commission proposed to exclude ferrous scrap from the list. A similar restriction is also proposed for Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Online consultations have already begun on the draft list, which will last until October 16.
The waste transportation rules adopted in 2024 prohibit the export of waste to non-OECD countries from May next year. At the same time, States can request an exception if they prove that they are capable of environmentally friendly and safe waste management.
The first list of countries that will be allowed to accept waste from the EU is planned to be prepared by the end of 2026. In the future, it is intended to be updated at least once every two years. Countries that are not included in the list will be able to apply again.
The European Commission's working paper provides a separate assessment for each country. In the case of India, as noted in the document, the application does not sufficiently prove that pollution control measures are being applied at processing plants. In particular, there is no comprehensive regulation for reducing emissions of heavy metals, dust, dioxins, furans and PCBs, as well as detailed requirements for wastewater treatment based on the best available technologies.
The Commission also points out that the regulatory framework lacks key provisions on energy efficiency, including requirements for stable material supply to the shredder, energy efficiency improvement plans, and energy balance reporting.
Regarding Bangladesh, the European Commission notes that the management of residual waste and the incomplete implementation of pollution control measures during recycling raise concerns. Although the country has basic control mechanisms in place, the system does not fully cover the requirements for waste disposal, site inspection and record keeping, as well as the comprehensive application of the best available methods. In addition, the application lacked data on measures to control emissions, energy efficiency, material utilization, wastewater treatment and pre-treatment of scrap.
With regard to Pakistan, the document says that the country has fulfilled a number of requirements, but has not provided key conditions for metallurgical processing: stable supply of material to the shredder, increased recovery of recyclable materials, efficient use of energy in the production of recycled copper and the prevention of unorganized emissions at the stage of pre-treatment of scrap.
Egypt,