The European Commission on Monday received requests from Nigeria and 23 other non-members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries seeking inclusion in the list of nations eligible to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union.

In a statement issued, the request was made in line with the new Waste Shipments Regulation, introduced as part of the EU’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan.

The regulation aims to establish stricter rules for the shipment of waste, including imports and exports between the EU and non-OECD countries. One key measure is the full ban on the export of plastic waste from the EU by November 2026. Countries applying for eligibility to import non-hazardous waste must demonstrate their ability to manage these materials in an environmentally sound manner, with conditions that meet or exceed those of the EU.

PUNCH