Carrier becomes second ocean carrier to halt plastic waste shipments following sustained advocacy from Basel Action Network

18 September 2026. Seattle, WA, US. Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced that it will stop accepting plastic waste shipments, effective 1 October 2026, becoming the second ocean carrier to make such a commitment.

In an advisory issued 15 September, the Dubai-based carrier said it would discontinue bookings for plastic waste cargo (HS Code 3915), citing its “dedication to safeguarding marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.” The decision follows close engagement by Basel Action Network (BAN) with ESL and other members of the World Shipping Council, the primary industry group representing the world’s major container lines, to encourage industry-wide commitments to stop plastic waste shipments.

“We believe the decision to ban the carriage of plastic waste is the right step forward and reflects our focus on responsible and compliant shipping practices. We appreciate the advocacy and collaboration of organizations such as the Basel Action Network in helping drive meaningful progress across the industry.”

— Michael Davies, COO and Regional Managing Director for Middle East, ESL

Hundreds of tonnes of plastic waste are shipped daily from developed to developing countries, often for purported recycling. Yet much of this waste cannot be safely or economically recycled, and is ultimately dumped, burned, or processed under unsafe conditions, exposing communities to toxic pollution and microplastics. Shipping companies are a critical link in this chain, giving the industry significant power to restrict the movement of plastic waste across borders.

When the policy takes effect on Oct. 1, ESL will become the second ocean carrier to ban plastic waste shipments, after CMA CGM halted such shipments in 2022, following a BAN campaign calling on nine shipping lines to stop shipping plastic waste.

“ESL’s decision marks another major milestone in the fight to end the export of harmful plastic waste to developing countries,” said Christopher Hudak, Senior Policy Advisor at BAN. “ESL and CMA CGM are proving that shipping companies can lead on this issue and still thrive, and BAN is calling on every other member of the World Shipping Council to follow their example.”