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A recently published report by the IMPEL TFS network, discloses big differences between EU member states regarding the implementation and enforcement of rules for waste shipments. Controls carried out during the Enforcement Action I project in 25 countries, reveal that 15% of the inspected waste shipments were in non-compliance with EU legislation. Recommended is therefore to continue with coordinated inspections at EU level, with support from the European Commission, and to create more political support for the work of the inspectors and enforcers. The final report can be viewed here.
Previous IMPEL TFS reports, such as the Seaport and Verification projects, also showed high levels of non-compliance. Results of inspections however depend on various things, such as type, location and time of inspection and if they are ad-random or targeted. Nevertheless, these results again proof the need for a coordinated EU-wide strategy, involving all EU member states and authorities and a set of minimum criteria if one really wants to tackle illegal movements of waste and create a level playing field for all involved players.
At EU level the same rules, laid down EC Regulation 1013/2006, apply in each member state. The enforcement of these rules is however the responsibility of the individual country, which at the moment results in differences between the countries. Also the low priority for controlling waste shipments, results in lack of resources, experiences and cooperation between involved authorities.