As of 21 May 2026, the EU’s new Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS) is now live. This is a major change affecting anyone moving, transporting, producing, or receiving waste going to or from the EU.
What is DIWASS?
The Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS) is the EU’s central digital platform for submitting and exchanging information and documentation related to waste shipments.
Introduced by the European Commission under the Waste Shipment Regulation, DIWASS replaces traditional paper-based procedures with a fully digital system. As of 21 May 2026, the system must be used by EU operators for waste shipments where an EU Member State is involved as a country of dispatch, destination, or transit.
The system aims to:
- Increase transparency of waste movements
- Provide real time shipment updates
- Reduce administrative delays
- Strengthen enforcement against illegal waste trafficking
- Support the EU’s Circular Economy objectives
It applies across both:
- notification procedures (for hazardous and controlled waste under Prior Informed Consent)
- Annex VII documentation (for green list waste).
However, it’s important to note that a transitional period is in place for Annex VII shipments, with many still handled in paper format until 31 December 2026.
Digital waste tracking in the UK
While DIWASS is now live across the EU, the UK is also soon to introduce its own mandatory digital waste tracking system.
The UK’s Digital Waste Tracking Service is being rolled out in phases to modernise how waste movements are recorded domestically. As with DIWASS, it aims to replace paper-based processes with a unified digital approach, improving data accuracy and helping regulators better monitor waste activities. It also hopes to prevent further damage to the environment, and tackle waste crime and poor performing waste sites which are estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion annually.
The UK’s Digital Waste Tracking Service will become mandatory for all waste receivers from October 2026 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and from January 2027 for Scotland.
For UK businesses, this means preparing to operate within two parallel systems:
- DIWASS for EU-related waste shipments
- UK Digital Waste Tracking for domestic compliance
What does DIWASS mean for UK businesses?
DIWASS directly affects UK companies involved in waste shipments to, from, or via EU countries.
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, the UK is considered a third country meaning UK businesses are not directly mandated under EU law to use DIWASS. However, any shipment involving an EU Member State must still be processed within the system by the relevant EU-based operator.
In practice, registration is therefore effectively required in order to ensure compliance when trading with EU partners.
An exception is Northern Ireland, for whom adherence to DIWASS is mandatory.
What are the risks of non-compliance with DIWASS?
Failing to comply with DIWASS requirements can result in serious disruption to your supply chain. Shipments could be refused entry into the EU, there may be significant delays at border crossing, and there is a risk of financial penalties for non-compliance from EU authorities.
To ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption, UK businesses should consider a proactive approach:
- Ensure full supply chain alignment
Confirm that all parties involved (particularly EU-based partners) are registered and prepared to operate within DIWASS.
- Plan routes in advance
For sensitive shipments, especially hazardous or complex loads, ensure routing is agreed and compliant before movement.
- Prioritise accurate documentation
With fully digital processes, errors or omissions are more visible and can lead to delays. Accuracy is essential.
- Work with experienced logistics partners
A knowledgeable freight forwarder can help navigate regulatory changes, manage documentation, and reduce operational risk
Taking the complexity out of customs
Moving goods into or out of the EU can sound complicated. Our in-house customs team has years of experience in staying up to date on changes to rules and regulations ensuring smooth transits between the UK and EU, and EU and UK. If you need support with customs, we’re here to help.
