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History and Current Status of EU Hazardous Waste Export Regulations In 1995, the EU banned the export of hazardous waste, strengthening measures against environmental pollution caused by improper disposal, particularly in African and Asian countries. During the 2000s, it aimed to increase recycling rates through the Waste Shipment Regulation and the WEEE Directive. In the 2010s, it promoted the transition to a circular economy, setting a target to significantly raise waste recycling rates by 2030. In 2018, China's ban on waste imports prompted a shift in export destinations to Southeast Asia, but these countries also tightened their regulations. The 2020s saw the EU ban plastic waste exports and advance the recycling of rare earth elements. While continuing to strengthen regulations, the EU faces the challenges of realizing a circular economy and enhancing cooperation among member states.