Tunis: In July 2025, the European Commission announced it had received approximately twenty requests from non-OECD countries, including Tunisia, to be included on the list of countries eligible to import non-hazardous waste from the EU. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, this move aligns with the European Green Deal and the second EU Circular Economy Action Plan, which established a new Waste Shipments Regulation. This regulation aims to oversee the shipment of waste within the EU and the import and export of waste to ensure environmentally sound management and address illegal waste trafficking. Tunisia has sought authorization to import various categories of non-hazardous waste, such as metals, plastics, rubber, industrial fibers, and certain organic wastes from the agri-food sector. TAP submitted an official request to the Ministry of Environment for clarification on the implications of this new import, especially in light of a past incident involving the illegal importation of Italian waste, which led to significant public outcry and the arrest of senior officials. The Ministry of Environment, acting as the national focal point for the Basel Convention, has coordinated with relevant national stakeholders to determine the specific waste categories for import and to oversee the procedure with the European Commission. Waste management expert Hamdi ChebSane noted that waste imports from the EU are not new to Tunisia; however, the EU has now renewed and tightened its laws as part of its ecological transition. He emphasized the need for Tunisia to adopt a more selective import policy, particularly for second-hand clothing, and stressed the importance of establishing a clear list of authorized and prohibited waste. National capacities are under scrutiny as Tunisia must demonstrate its ability to manage additional waste imports when it already faces challenges with domestic waste management. Environmental science expert Samia Gharbi expressed concerns about Tunisia's capacity to manage imported waste, given its existing waste management issues, including saturated landfills and improperly treated toxic waste. Tunisia's waste generation is already significant, with a World Bank report indicating that municipal solid waste amounted to 3 million tonnes in 2022, with projections to reach 6 million tonnes by 2050. The report highlights the environmental degradation costs associated with this inadequate management. The importation of wastes like electrical and electronic waste (WEEE), textiles, and industrial ash could exacerbate existing challenges. Gharbi emphasized the need for a clear understanding of the waste lifecycle before importation, warning of the potential environmental risks. As Tunisia prepares for potential waste imports after May 21, 2027, it must ensure it has the necessary infrastructure and means to manage these flows transparently and rigorously. Failure to do so could worsen the environmental issues the country already faces.