Regulatory Intelligence
Basel Regulatory Radar
Track COP decisions, Ban Amendment updates, and listing changes that affect cross-border hazardous waste operations. Updated as events occur.
COP16 Adopts New Strategic Framework for 2026–2031
The sixteenth Conference of the Parties adopted a new ten-year strategic framework replacing the 2012–2021 plan. For operators shipping e-waste and ULABs, the framework prioritises enforcement capacity in transit and destination countries — meaning more scrutiny at borders, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia.
Plastic Waste Partnership Extended with Enhanced Pilot Phase
COP16 extended the Plastic Waste Partnership through 2028, adding a pilot phase focused on downstream monitoring in non-OECD countries. Operators shipping mixed plastic fractions that may contain e-waste plastics should expect increased enforcement queries on Annex II/IX classification.
New Compliance Committee Procedures Adopted at COP16
Parties approved revised operating procedures for the Implementation and Compliance Committee, introducing fast-track review of national reporting gaps. Countries not submitting annual Basel reports will now face earlier intervention — which means your trade lane partners may come under compliance pressure that affects your pending notifications.
EU Waste Shipment Regulation 2024/1157 Enters into Force
The revised EU Waste Shipment Regulation entered into force on 20 May 2024, tightening rules on hazardous waste exports to non-OECD countries. It introduces a prior notification requirement for all exports of non-hazardous waste for recovery to non-OECD countries and mandates third-party audits of interim facilities. Operators routing Basel-notified shipments through EU ports must reassess their compliance posture.
BC-15 Approves Updated Technical Guidelines on E-Waste
At BC-15 in Geneva, Parties adopted updated technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of e-waste, including new guidance on distinguishing hazardous from non-hazardous e-waste fractions. The guidelines directly address printed circuit boards, CRT glass, and lithium batteries — materials that feature in nearly every transboundary e-waste shipment.
Secretariat Issues Guidance Note on ULAB Transboundary Movement
The Secretariat published a practical guidance note clarifying notification requirements for used lead-acid batteries under the Basel Convention. It confirms that ULABs shipped for refurbishment still require PIC consent if they show any signs of wear, and clarifies the distinction between "waste" and "non-waste" ULABs under Basel Article 2.
Ban Amendment Enters into Force — Enforcement Intensifies
The Basel Ban Amendment entered into force on 5 December 2019, prohibiting hazardous waste exports from OECD to non-OECD countries. While adoption was in 2019, enforcement has intensified since 2022 as more Parties integrate the Ban into national legislation. Operators shipping from the EU, Japan, or North America to non-OECD destinations must confirm Ban applicability for every shipment.
Multiple Caribbean States Update Basel Competent Authority Contacts
During 2024, several Caribbean nations — including Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic — updated their designated Basel competent authorities and focal points. Operators routing shipments to or through the Caribbean should verify CA contact details before submitting notifications, as outdated contacts are a leading cause of notification delays.
Need help navigating a specific regulatory change?
Our compliance practitioners track Basel developments and can tell you exactly what any update means for your shipments.