For companies participating in the circular economy or managing industrial surpluses, international waste logistics has shifted from a mere customs formality to a rigorous environmental compliance challenge. The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development issued Resolution 1519 of 2025, which adopts strict measures for the control of transboundary movements of waste.

Starting in January 2026, this regulation will be the primary framework for any export or import of materials intended for recovery. In this article, we explain the critical points you must oversee to ensure the continuity of your logistics operations and avoid blockades by environmental authorities.

Which materials are under the new regulatory spotlight?

The regulations are not limited to hazardous chemical substances; they cover a wide range of materials that circulate daily in foreign trade:

• Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE): Movements of these components are now governed by Amendment BC-15/18 of the Basel Convention.

• Plastic Waste: Any export must align with Amendment BC-14/12, especially for materials that are not easily recyclable.

• OECD Categories (Green and Amber): Due to Colombia’s accession to the OECD, differentiated procedures are established based on the waste’s risk level. Materials under the “Amber Procedure” require stricter notification and consent controls.

Prohibitions and Risks for the Importer

It is essential for your international procurement team to keep in mind that the prohibition on introducing, importing, or trafficking hazardous waste persists in Colombia.

• The entry of waste is only permitted if it does not possess hazardous characteristics under current legal terms.

• If a shipment containing unauthorized hazardous waste is detected, you are obligated to return it immediately under the supervision of the competent authorities.

Validity and Regulatory Transition

You must prepare your compliance strategy before January 28, 2026, the date this resolution comes into effect. Once this deadline passes, the previous Resolution 1402 of 2006 will be officially repealed.

Is your logistics process aligned with the new ANLA requirements for 2026? At Siacomex, as experts in customs brokerage and 4PL logistics, we provide the necessary technical consultancy to validate your material classification and manage your environmental procedures without setbacks.