The Ministry of Environment and Water (MОEW) reminds all carriers, couriers, and participants in the cross-border transport of waste that the transport of recyclable waste on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria is carried out only in compliance with the requirements of national and European legislation.

When carrying out cross-border transport of waste, including plastic packaging waste, the carrier is obliged to be informed of the type and characteristics of the cargo transported, as well as to possess a valid document allowing for waste transport, issued in accordance with the Waste Management Act.

Within the framework of the control carried out in 2025 by the MOEW and the regional inspectorates of environment and water, cases were identified in which cross-border transport of packaging waste was conducted by carriers without the necessary permits or registration documents, even though the waste was intended for installations holding valid treatment permits.

The control activity shows that in some cases the transports are organized through forwarding agents or electronic platforms for transport services, without the carriers having full information about the nature of the cargo, although the accompanying documents clearly state that it concerns waste.

The Ministry of Environment and Water emphasizes that the lack of information or the assignment of the transport to a third party does not exempt the carrier from liability. Each carrier should:

• check whether the transported cargo is waste;
• ensure its correct classification;
• possess an issued document for the transportation of waste;
• carry out the transportation in accordance with the requirements of European regulations and national legislation.

The Ministry of Environment and Water will continue the enhanced control over the cross-border transportation of waste in order to prevent unregulated activities, ensure the traceability of waste flows, and protect the environment and public health.

The Ministry of Environment and Water calls on all participants in the process – senders, recipients, carriers and couriers – to strictly comply with the regulatory requirements and to approach with increased responsibility when organizing and carrying out waste transportation.