The new Waste Shipment Regulation (EU) 2024/1157, adopted in March 2024, marks a before and after in the way that companies in the sector manage their operations, especially those exporting recyclable materials such as plastics, metals and hazardous waste.
From ScrapAd, we want to help you understand the key changes and how you can adapt your business to comply with this new European regulation efficiently and without legal risks.
What is Regulation (EU) 2024/1157?
The main objective of this legislation is to improve traceability, environmental control and transparency in waste shipments within the EU and to third countries. The pillars of the regulation are:
- Ensure full traceability of waste from its origin to its final destination.
- Strengthen environmental controls, avoiding illegal or poorly managed transfers.
- Limit the export of waste to non-OECD countries that do not meet stringent environmental standards.
- Implement a single digital platform for all procedures related to the shipment of waste.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for these materials could increase fivefold or more by 2040 if the current pace of transport electrification continues.
Who is affected by this regulation?
To all companies which:
- Generate, transport, trade or manage waste.
- They carry out cross-border shipments of waste, both within the EU and to third countries.
If your company is part of the ScrapAd network or exports waste, this regulation affects you directly.
Key changes you should know about
1. Mandatory digital platform
From the date of entry into force, all transfers should be managed through a European digital platform. This is the end of paper or mixed procedures.
- Advantage: greater agility, efficiency and document control.
- Challenge: need to adapt internal processes to new digital tools.
2. Restriction of exports to non-OECD countries
From 2026, the EU will only allow waste to be exported to non-OECD countries if they demonstrate compliance with strict environmental criteria. Otherwise, exports may be prohibited directly.
3. Audits and enhanced documentation
Exporting companies should ensure that waste sent outside the EU is handled in a sustainable way. This will require regular audits and more documentation on waste treatment.
4. Greater coordination between Member States
Authorities in EU countries will be better connected to each other, sharing information in real time to detect irregularities, fraud or malpractice.
What can your company do now?
From ScrapAd, we recommend you to anticipate this changes with these key actions:
- 🔍 Digitize the traceability of your waste: be sure to document its origin, treatment and final destination.
- 🌎 Check your export markets, especially if you work with countries outside the OECD.
- 💻 Choose platforms that are already aligned with the regulations, such as ScrapAd.
- 🧠 Train your team to understand and apply new administrative and environmental procedures.
How does ScrapAd help you?
In ScrapAd we connect companies that buy and sell waste and recyclable raw materials, offering:
- ✅ 100% digital processes for greater agility and transparency.
- ✅ Full traceability and documentary control.
- ✅ Alignment with the principles of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157.
- ✅ Advice to avoid errors or penalties.
Thanks to our technology, you can operate safely and in accordance with the new regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
Do you have doubts? We are here to help
Regulations are changing, and being prepared is key to continuing to grow responsibly. At ScrapAd, we help you adapt today.
👉 Contact us and we will advise you on how to comply with Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 easily and safely.
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