EA Higher International Waste Shipment Charges Now in Force (since 1 October 2025)
Revised charges for International Waste Shipments (IWS) officially came into force on 1 October 2025, marking the first major fee adjustment in several years. The new rates apply to the movement of notified waste – waste streams that require pre-authorisation and strict tracking before export or disposal.
This increase forms part of a broader package of cost updates introduced by the Environment Agency (EA), covering multiple environmental regulation areas such as waste carrier registration, environmental permitting, and producer responsibility obligations.
Why the Increase Was Introduced
According to the EA, the updated charges reflect rising operational costs and the need to maintain robust oversight of international waste movements. The agency stated that higher fees are necessary to sustain and modernise its core regulatory services – including inspection, compliance checks, and enforcement.
“The Environment Agency plays a vital role in supporting sustainable growth while safeguarding the environment,” a spokesperson explained. “These cost-of-service adjustments are proportionate and long overdue for many areas. Most fees haven’t changed since 2018. The updates ensure we can continue to provide high-quality regulation and invest in modern digital systems to improve efficiency and transparency.”
Focus on Digital Transformation and Efficiency
The EA confirmed that part of the revenue from increased charges will be channelled into new digital platforms designed to simplify waste regulation processes. This includes online systems for notifications, improved data tracking, and more efficient communication channels for regulated businesses.
The goal is to create a streamlined, technology-led system that both strengthens compliance oversight and reduces administrative burden for legitimate waste exporters and handlers.
Wider Scope of Charge Adjustments
The fee changes do not apply solely to international waste movements. The updated Environment Agency Charging Scheme 2022 and Waste Charging Scheme 2018 now cover several areas across the waste and environmental sector, including:
- Environmental permitting
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
- Waste batteries and accumulators
- Waste carriers, brokers, and dealers
- International waste shipments (IWS)
- Transfrontier movement of radioactive waste and spent fuel
Following public consultation in April 2025, the EA confirmed in its August 2025 response that nearly all proposed fee increases will be implemented in full.
Supporting Sustainable and Responsible Waste Exports
The charge updates aim to ensure that businesses engaged in international waste exports contribute proportionately to the costs of oversight, while supporting the UK’s commitment to reducing illegal and environmentally harmful waste movements.
By reinforcing compliance systems and upgrading digital infrastructure, the EA hopes to strike a balance between effective regulation and efficient service delivery – aligning environmental protection with sustainable trade.
At Affordable Waste Management, we help UK businesses stay fully compliant with waste management regulations. From commercial waste collection and responsible waste disposal to recycling solutions, our experts ensure your waste is handled safely, efficiently, and in line with UK legislation.