By Sam Thake, Customs Consultancy Manager, Denholm Good Logistics
From 1 July 2026, businesses exporting waste materials from the UK under Green List (Article 18) waste controls will be subject to new reporting requirements introduced by the Environment Agency.
While the changes are relatively straightforward, exporters should take action now to ensure they remain compliant and avoid potential delays to their supply chains.
What is changing?
Under the new rules, exporters intending to ship waste under Green List controls must submit details of their expected waste export activities over the next 12 months to the Environment Agency before exporting.
The reporting process is designed to provide regulators with greater visibility of waste movements leaving the UK and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen environmental oversight and compliance.
What does this mean for exporters?
For businesses regularly exporting recyclable or recoverable waste materials, the key takeaway is that reporting will become a mandatory step before shipments can proceed.
Failure to submit the required information could have significant consequences, including:
- Delays to waste export shipments
- Containers and trailers being stopped at the border
- Potential restrictions on the export of waste materials from the UK
- Additional administrative costs and disruption to supply chains
For exporters working to tight delivery schedules, any interruption at the border could have a knock-on effect on customers, carriers and recovery facilities overseas.
Preparing for the new requirements
Businesses involved in waste exports should review their current processes and ensure that the necessary reporting is completed ahead of any exports taking place from 1 July 2026 onwards.
It is also advisable to communicate the changes internally with logistics, compliance and operational teams to avoid any last-minute issues once the regulations come into force.
How DGL can help
As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, staying informed is essential for maintaining smooth and compliant international supply chains.
DGL is closely monitoring developments affecting UK exporters and will continue to provide updates on regulatory changes that could impact international trade and logistics operations.
If your business exports waste materials and you would like guidance on how these changes may affect your shipments, please get in touch with the DGL team.
Further information: Exporters can find additional guidance and complete the required reporting through the Environment Agency and GOV.UK waste export guidance pages Waste: export and import – GOV.UK
If you need assistance with how this could affect your business, reach out to your DGL representative.
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