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CIT Expert Group on Waste Shipments and Other Specific Transport
On 27 October 2026, 28 experts representing CIT members and European railway undertakings met online for the 9th meeting of the CIT Expert Group on Waste Shipments and Other Specific Transport. The meeting focused on the implementation of the new Waste Shipment Regulation (WSR), the latest developments concerning the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS), and the practical implications for international rail freight.
CIT presented updates on its ongoing work and dedicated support for members. Discussions focused on the development of the CIM Consignment Note Manual (GLV-CIM), including the potential integration of specific waste-related information into the CIM consignment note, such as a declaration of waste transport and the movement document number. These developments aim to improve the handling of waste shipments within existing rail freight documentation and support the sector’s transition towards digital processes.
Participants also reviewed the latest European Commission information on DIWASS, including guidance for operators and the connection and use of the system by carriers. The meeting provided a forum to exchange experiences, address outstanding questions and discuss the challenges associated with the digitalisation of cross-border waste shipments. A presentation by the BRS Secretariat further contributed to the exchange on electronic approaches at international level.
Through its dedicated freight products, including the GLV-CIM and the CIT Freight Traffic Manual (GTM-CIT), and its recognised legal and operational expertise, CIT remains committed to supporting its members, safeguarding the interests of railways and promoting practical, harmonised solutions for efficient international rail freight in an increasingly digital transport environment. Looking ahead, CIT will continue its work on freight documentation developments through its CIM Working Group, with further discussions planned for November 2026. The CIM Working Group will focus on finalising the developments of GLV-CIM Appendix 1, "Functional and legal requirements for the electronic consignment note”, with adaptations on the exchange of data from the CIM consignment note with involved third parties, and on the CIT Freight Traffic Manual GTM-CIT, updating the confidentiality clause in GTM-CIT Appendix 7a "Checklist for the contract of electronic interchange of consignment note data (EDI contract checklist)”. Regarding future developments, the Expert Group targeted two areas. Firstly, the re-drafting and updating of the CIT Information Note on “Provisions for the organisation and transportation of waste goods” with clear process and further information for CIT members. Secondly, regarding the CIM consignment note box 7 and GLV-CIM, CIT needs to continue its ongoing thinking about potentially adding information to the CIM consignment note box 7 in the shape of code 26 (movement document number, other info?).
By the end of 2026, CIT will prepare a CIT Circular Letter on the comprehensive review for CIT members and rail carriers of the relevant information contained in the CIM consignment note, to be used, generated, formalised and automated to ensure the accurate interpretation and sharing of information on the transport of waste. Indeed, to support carriers in this complicated transition, CIT will issue this specific and dedicated circular letter to CIT members because of the crucial importance of the information contained in the CIM consignment note in the context of cross-border waste transport.
The next meeting of the CIT Expert Group is scheduled for February 2027.
For more information, see the dedicated area of the CIT website: https://www.cit-rail.org/en/cit-tools/working-papers/expert-group-on-waste-shipments/
