Due to technical delays with the Diwass digitalisation system for waste shipments at European level, a transitional arrangement is now in place.

This has been announced by the Bundesumwelministerium (German Federal Ministry for the Environment, BMUKN) and the federal states. From 21 May 2026, the new EU Waste Shipment Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1157) will come into force. This has significant implications for the documentation requirements for so-called ‘Green List’ waste. From that date, the Regulation stipulates an obligation to digitise waste shipment data and thus to participate in the Digital Waste Shipment System (Diwass). Due to delays in setting up the Diwass platform, the European Commission, the Federal Government and the federal states have now agreed on a transitional period for the obligation to transmit data electronically under Article 27(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157, lasting until 31 December 2026 inclusive. This means that, until the end of 2026, carrying the new Annex VII form in paper form will be ‘exempt from penalties’ if ‘a person involved in the shipment under Article 18 is unable to maintain Annex VII and the other required documents electronically’. The BMUKN points out that the new Annex VII form of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 must also be used for document management in paper form. According to the BMUKN, all parties involved must comply with the general obligation to maintain electronic records as soon as possible, but no later than from 1 January 2027.
 
Sources:

• BMUKN press release (28.4.2026)
• Photo: © Nathan Cima / Unsplash (symbolic image)