As a result of questions asked in The House, by MP Tessa Munt, we can now advise on the most recent update on outcomes on waste tyre exports
Between the 1st October and the 15th December, the Environment Agency had received 112 Annex VII returns from receiving sites, and this number was expected to rise as the 8 week deadline comes into effect.
Of the 112 Annex VII documents received from the destination sites, only 79 were accompanied by geotagged photographs.
Those with no geotagged photographs will see further action being taken, said the official response from Defra.
Ms Munt asked how many of the consignments were subject to a Change of Destination request whilst at sea? The response came that just two such requests had been made, one before the shipment left the UK, and one at sea. The response clarified that the exporters had no legal obligation to inform the EA of any change of destination. However, the EA would monitor such changes to ensure waste is not diverted to an unsuitable destination.
Ms Munt then asked Defra what action was to be taken against those who failed to submit geotagged images at the final destination?
Here, Defra responded that the EA would work to bring people into compliance, and would act to disrupt criminal activity. Failure to submit the geotagged evidence would likely result in further action being taken, such as prohibiting future shipments to that destination. Or, potentially taking enforcement action.
Finally, Ms Munt asked about the removal of the T8 Exemption. The response highlighted that the removal of the T8 involved changes to other Exemptions and a number of other controls being introduced. The preparation of these regulations was under way and would be presented to parliament when time permitted.
