Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – The Emirates Shipping Line plastic waste ban will take effect on October 1, with the Dubai-headquartered carrier ending acceptance of plastic waste cargoes and becoming the second ocean shipping company to impose a blanket ban on the trade.
The company said it will no longer accept bookings for plastic waste classified under HS Code 3915. Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) linked the decision to its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
The move follows pressure from the Basel Action Network (BAN), which has called on members of the World Shipping Council to stop transporting plastic waste from developed countries to developing nations.
Emirates Shipping Line plastic waste ban covers HS Code 3915
Michael Davies, chief operating officer and regional director for the Middle East at Emirates Shipping Line, said the company considers the ban a positive step that reflects its focus on responsible shipping practices and compliance with applicable standards.
The decision means ESL will no longer accept cargo bookings falling under HS Code 3915 from October 1. The carrier’s action places it alongside CMA CGM in adopting a complete prohibition on transporting plastic waste.
CMA CGM stopped carrying plastic waste in 2022 following a campaign by BAN that targeted nine major shipping companies.
Basel Action Network calls for wider carrier action
BAN argues that ocean carriers play a central role in the global plastic waste trade because significant volumes are shipped to developing countries under the stated purpose of recycling.
According to the organization, some of this waste may ultimately be dumped in landfills, burned or processed under unsafe conditions. BAN has therefore been campaigning for shipping companies to stop transporting these cargoes from developed to developing countries.
Christopher Hudak, senior policy adviser at BAN, described ESL’s decision as another important achievement and called on the remaining members of the World Shipping Council to take similar action.
The Emirates Shipping Line plastic waste ban follows CMA CGM’s earlier decision and extends the number of carriers imposing blanket restrictions on the movement of this cargo category.
Source: Al Mal News