The LIFE SWEAP project, coordinated by IMPEL, has started the launch of a series of fact sheets for the industry involved in shipping of waste. The aim of the fact sheets is to increase the knowledge of the requirements applicable for industry actors and to support an increased compliance of waste shipping regulations and procedures.
Inspection data from previous IMPEL enforcement projects showed that a large proportion of violations with the Waste Shipment Regulation were administrative in nature and related to issues with Annex VII forms. The consequences of these ‘low-level’ violations are delays in shipment and therefore increased costs for exporters. Communication of these issues to those involved in the waste chain should push up compliance.
In 2019, the LIFE SWEAP project therefore conducted a survey to assess the assistance the industry may need to ensure their waste shipments are legally compliant. Over a 100 responses were received from industry representatives. Following an assessment of the responses, the team identified several priority areas where further guidance is needed, including:
- Plastic waste
- Green listed waste
- Export of plastic waste to Malaysia
As a next step, the project team has drafted three fact sheets, which were discussed with industry representatives last March in an online consultation meeting. The fact sheets on plastic waste and green listed waste have now been published, whilst the one on export of plastic waste to Malaysia is still being finalised.
A second survey is scheduled towards the end of 2020 to re-assess the industry needs.