Concerns had been raised across the waste export sector in recent weeks, with operators reporting extended waiting times before applications were picked up for initial assessments.
Some suggested it had become “not unusual” for notifications to sit for 20 to 30 days before processing began.
The EA has now moved to address what it described as “temporary resource pressures” within its assessment teams.
In a statement, the EA acknowledged the delays and attributed them to short-term capacity constraints within its notification assessment team.
According to the Agency, delays have primarily occurred at the point notifications are taken on for assessment, rather than throughout the entire process.
Despite this, the EA emphasised that once applications are picked up, they have generally been processed efficiently.
The regulator said it has now taken steps to address the issue, including increasing staffing capacity and introducing revised working arrangements.
Aaron Speight, Operations Manager – Waste Shipments at the EA, explained: “We acknowledge that some operators experienced delays in Transfrontier Shipment notifications being taken on for assessment due to temporary resourcing pressures.
“We have since increased capacity and introduced revised working arrangements to address this.
“Although initial assessment pick up times were affected, the overall timeframe for complete notifications being received to then being transmitted has increased only marginally on average, and waiting times are expected to continue reducing as throughput improves.”
TFS regulations govern the international movement of waste, requiring prior written notification and consent for hazardous ‘amber list’ shipments.
The EA recently announced that it will introduce new reporting requirements from July 2026 for waste exports under Article 18 (Green List).
It also proposed a separate charge to fund that activity, subject to consultation and Ministerial approval.
The agency previously increased the International Waste Shipment (IWS) fees in October 2025 by 14%. Transfrontier shipment of radioactive waste and spent fuel charges also increased.
Find out more about waste export policy and legislation at the Waste Exports Conference on 28 April 2026 in London.
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