The digital requirement applies without exception to all parties involved in the transboundary shipment of waste. The obligation applies to the following groups:
1. Applicants & producers: Notifiers, waste producers and those who arrange the shipment.
2. Logistics partners: All carriers and transport companies.
3. Waste management: Consignees and the facilities receiving the waste (receiving facilities).
4. Government bodies: Competent authorities at the point of dispatch, at the destination and in transit countries.
5. Supervisory bodies: Relevant authorities such as customs or the BALM (formerly BAG).
There is a clear transitional arrangement for notifications that were already approved before the new digital requirement came into force. The procedure depends on the date of confirmation:
Confirmation before 21 May 2026: These notifications remain valid in accordance with Article 85(3) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1157. They are subject to the provisions of the previous EC Regulation No 1013/2006. Recovery or disposal must be completed by 21 May 2027 at the latest. If the acknowledgement of receipt from the competent authority at the destination is not received by 21 May 2026, the notification must be resubmitted in DIWASS after 21 May 2026.
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 (Annex II), the following documents are mandatory for a legally valid notification:
Forms: The notification form (Annex IA) and the movement document (Annex IB).
Contract: A valid contract for recovery or disposal between the notifier and the consignee.
Financial security: Proof of a deposit, bank guarantee or equivalent insurance.
Facility documentation: Permits and environmental certificates for the disposal facility.
Additional documents: Depending on the type of waste, laboratory analyses, route descriptions and proof of identity must be attached.
Expert tip: Use digital platforms such as ZEDAL International to create, manage and submit these documents directly to the authorities in compliance with the law.
The mandatory digitisation of waste shipments comes into force on 21 May 2026. From this date, all notification procedures must be carried out electronically via DIWASS. For Annex VII shipments (Green List), the Expert Group on Waste Shipments agreed on 27 March 2026 on a transitional arrangement until the end of 2026 – transmission to DIWASS is not expected during this period. Shipments must nevertheless be accompanied by a duly completed Annex VII document.
DIWASS stands for Digital Waste Shipment System. It is the European Commission’s central electronic system, which serves as the hub for data exchange.
Key facts about DIWASS:
Central hub: DIWASS acts as a hub between companies, national administrative systems and the EU.
Full coverage: It replaces paper-based documents (Annexes IA, IB and VII) with purely digital data records.
Interoperability: The system enables the integration of external software solutions.
ZEDAL advantage: As a pioneer in digital waste workflows, ZEDAL International is fully compatible with DIWASS. Companies can retain their usual processes, whilst ZEDAL handles the seamless and legally compliant transmission to the EU system in the background.
Switching to the leading platform for digital waste management is straightforward. In just five steps, you can get your business ready for the cross-border digital obligation:
1. Arrange an online demo: Book a free live demo to discover how ZEDAL’s features can be tailored precisely to your requirements.
2. Quote & Order: You will receive a bespoke quote. Once the order is placed, your system will be set up immediately.
3. Setup & onboarding: We will set up your access and provide you with the necessary login details for the portal and interfaces.
4. Team training: Through targeted training sessions, we prepare your staff to use the digital workflows efficiently.
5. Go-Live: Start creating your first digital notifications and Annex VII documents – legally compliant and fully digital.
Get started now: Don’t wait until the deadline in May 2026. Secure your competitive edge today through digital efficiency.
The new Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 has tightened the retention periods for documents and information. The duration of the archiving obligation depends on the type of shipment:
Standard case (notifications): All documents must be retained for at least 5 years from the completion of the shipment.
Exception (‘Green List’): For waste on the Green List in Annex VII, a shortened period of 3 years applies in some cases.
Start of the period: The period generally begins at the time when the disposal or recovery of the waste has been officially confirmed.
Important note on audit compliance: It is not sufficient simply to save documents. In the event of an inspection, the documents must be available, legible and unalterable at all times.
Yes. ZEDAL International is fully interoperable with DIWASS (Digital Waste Shipment System). The software provides a legally compliant interface that enables the seamless exchange of data between businesses and public authorities in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1157.
Yes. From 21 May 2026, digital transmission will be mandatory for shipments on the ‘Green List’ (waste not subject to notification). The previous requirement to carry paper documents in accordance with Annex VII (Annex VII of the Regulation) will be replaced by a purely electronic procedure.
Yes – getting started early is not only possible, but is also strongly recommended by experts. The transition to mandatory digitalisation is a process that requires preparation.
Under the new Regulation (EU) 2024/1157, an electronic authentication procedure will become mandatory for all parties involved. The details regarding the specific signature requirement for carriers are currently being finalised at EU level.
Yes – due to the introduction of DIWASS, there are currently two options:
Our team of experts is here to assist you with any technical or specialist queries regarding digital waste shipments. You can contact us during the following hours:
Service hours: Weekdays (Monday to Friday) from 07:00 to 18:00.
Support ticket: Use the telephone icon directly within the ZEDAL application to open a ticket. This is the quickest way, as our team immediately receives all relevant contextual information.
Telephone support: For urgent matters, you can also reach us personally by telephone during service hours.
The transition to digital processes in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 offers far more than just compliance with a legal obligation. Companies benefit from significant efficiency gains:
Faster procedures: Standardised digital data formats enable quicker approval processes by the relevant authorities.
Higher data quality: Automated validity checks minimise transmission errors and incorrectly completed forms (Annex IA/IB/VII).
Real-time transparency: Companies and authorities have access to the current status of a shipment at all times, which increases planning reliability.
Cost reduction: The elimination of postal routes, physical archiving and manual document management leads to significant time and cost savings.
Sustainability & compliance: Seamless digital traceability strengthens the circular economy and ensures audit-proof documentation of waste streams.
ZEDAL added value: With our platform, you can benefit from these advantages immediately. We transform complex legislation into an intuitive, digital workflow that reduces your administrative burden to a minimum.
