Background

Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 on shipments of waste entered into force on 20 May 2024 and will progressively replace Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.

The new Regulation strengthens the EU framework governing shipments of waste from, to and through the European Union, with a focus on:

  • Improved traceability and transparency
  • Stronger controls on exports to third countries
  • Enhanced measures to tackle illegal shipments
  • Facilitation of shipments for recovery and recycling within the EU

Most of the new procedural requirements will become applicable as from 21 May 2026.

Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS)

A key element of the new Regulation is the introduction of a fully digital system for the submission and exchange of information related to waste shipments.

From 21 May 2026, the exchange of documents and procedures associated with notifications subject to the prior informed consent (PIC) procedure must be carried out through the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS), developed by the European Commission.

Operators involved in waste shipments — including notifiers, waste producers, consignees, treatment facilities and carriers — will be required to register and use DIWASS.

ERA is supporting operators in preparing for this transition through information sessions, guidance material, and upcoming training and testing activities.

Shipment of Non Hazardous (Green-Listed) Waste

Please note that Annex VII documents under Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 will continue to be handled according to current practices. Submission through DIWASS is not required at this stage.

Annex VII documents for all waste shipments should continue to be submitted in line with the standard procedures outlined on the ERA website.

All relevant waste shipments must still be accompanied by a properly completed Annex VII document in line with the Regulation. The DIWASS system may be used on a voluntary basis to generate and complete Annex VII documents.

The mandatory use of DIWASS for Annex VII documents has been postponed until 1 January 2027.

Information Sessions & Updates

For further information and updates please follow these links:

Templates and Guidance Documents

The following templates and guidance documents related to the new Waste Shipment Regulation which are applicable for all notifications submitted from 21 May 2026 onwards on DIWASS  related to the Prior Informed Consent procedure are available for download:

Templates will be updated periodically to reflect regulatory and procedural developments.

Operators are encouraged to ensure that the most recent versions are used.

DIWASS Demonstration Session – 17 March 2026

On 17 March 2026, ERA held the first demonstration session on DIWASS. This session provided operators with practical guidance on:

  • Creating an EU Login
  • Registering users and operators in DIWASS
  • Understanding roles, authentication and access rights
  • Navigating the DIWASS testing environment
  • Preparing for the transition to mandatory digital procedures from 21 May 2026

The session was delivered by ERA’s Environmental Permitting Unit and Compliance and Enforcement Unit, with support from ERA’s ICT Unit.

Materials from the Session

Important Information for Operators

  • Operators may begin registering in the DIWASS test environment which can be accessed through this link.
  • Once registration is completed, operators must send a follow‑up email ERA on [email protected] and [email protected]
  • No documentation needs to be submitted to complete test‑environment registration.
  • For the time being please do not submit any notifications in the test environment. It is only intended for practicing the steps demonstrated.
  • The actual DIWASS system will be empty at go‑live — nothing done in the test environment will be transferred.

DIWASS Demonstration Session – 13 April 2026

  • Navigating DIWASS
  • How to fill-in a notification
  • Submitting a Notification
  • Request for additional information
  • Reply to request for additional information

The session was delivered by ERA’s Environmental Permitting Unit

Materials from the Session

Contact and Support

For any queries or assistance related to waste shipment procedures or DIWASS, operators are requested to contact ERA through the dedicated helpdesk via the Customer Care portal:

👉 https://cc-eris.eraportal.org.mt/submit-case
☎ +356 2292 3500