Transboundary movements of waste (valid for the Principality of Liechtenstein and Switzerland)
This information brochure is directed at exporters and importers of waste and it describes the international and domestic regulations relating to transboundary shipments. Vague legal concepts are clarified and, in particular, the necessary conditions and procedures for obtaining an export authorisation and import consent are explained.
Enforcement of the new EU Waste Shipment Regulation: Impact on Switzerland
The EU Waste Shipment Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 (hereinafter referred to as "EC 1013/2006") has been repealed. However, many provisions will continue to apply until May 21, 2026. EC 1013/2006 was replaced by Regulation (EU) No. 2024/1157 of April 11, 2024 (hereinafter referred to as "EU 2024/1157"). Neither regulation is applicable in Switzerland. Nevertheless, there are requirements that companies and authorities in Switzerland must observe when dealing with waste with member states of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA; Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway).
Amendments to the Basel Convention concerning plastic waste
On 10 May 2019 amendments relating to the transboundary movement of plastic waste were adopted in the Basel Convention. These amendments will enter into force on 1 January 2021. You will find in this document the consequences on exports and
imports of plastic waste:
Under what conditions can used consumer items be exported as goods?
Used objects or appliances are not considered waste if they are still in working order, adequately packed and are used for their original purpose. Such objects or appliances may be exported as goods, providing the necessary customs formalities are observed if they do not contain any banned substances.
Information on the export of used goods
Useful contact information
For general questions regarding the transboundary movement of waste: waste.competentauthority@bafu.admin.ch
Documents concerning notifications for import, export and/or transit of waste, including acknowledgements of receipt and consents from competent authorities, shall be sent to: waste.competentauthority@bafu.admin.ch
Accompanying documents with acknowledgement of receipt and/or proof of disposal of exported waste, shall be sent to: veva@band.ch
Accompanying documents in connection with the import and/or transit of waste (transport registration documents, confirmation of receipt and proof of disposal) are not required by the FOEN.
Further information
Additional information and documents on the notification procedure for the export of waste
In case of transboundary movements of waste to interim recovery (R12 or R13) or disposal facilities (D13, D14 or D15), where the final treatment is carried out by a third facility, the corresponding specimen contract for the export to interim recovery or disposal facilities shall be used.
Additional information on the notification procedures for the import of wastes
Note that there may be different coding systems for waste in the countries of origin and destination.
Transit of waste
Additional information and documents for the green control procedure
Shipments (exports and imports) of green-listed waste must be accompanied by the form in Annex VII of the EC Regulation on shipments of waste or a copy thereof. You can obtain the form in German or English by clicking on the links below.
Information on the export of used goods
Pieces of equipment and items that are no longer in good working order or that are no longer allowed to be placed on the market in Switzerland are classified as waste. Waste that is subject to controls may only be exported if authorised by the FOEN. Export to states that are not members either of the OECD or the European Community is prohibited. The publication “Export of Consumer Goods” contains advice on distinguishing between used goods and waste as well as on classifying waste.