According to a report by Seatrade Maritime, Dubai-based Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced the cessation of plastic waste cargo acceptance, with the policy taking effect from 1 October 2026.
According to a report by Seatrade Maritime, Dubai-based Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced the cessation of plastic waste cargo acceptance, with the policy taking effect from 1 October 2026. The company confirmed that the decision follows a comprehensive evaluation of this cargo category.
The policy adjustment specifically targets plastic waste - classified under HS Code 3915 - and does not apply to all plastic products. As such, a clear distinction must be drawn between standard plastic goods and plastic waste materials. Effective 1 October 2026, any bookings involving plastic waste cargo will require reconfirmation of ESL's carriage policy prior to booking; standard plastic cargo procedures will no longer suffice.
ESL has stated that the decision aligns with the company's long-term commitment to protecting marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.
This is not the first instance of a container shipping line implementing such measures. In 2022, CMA CGM announced the suspension of plastic waste shipments, effective 1 June 2022. The carrier simultaneously introduced restrictions on HS Code 3915 within its booking system, with an explicit warning that misrepresentation of cargo nature could result in affected companies being placed on a blacklist.
ESL is reported to be the second container shipping line - following CMA CGM - to publicly announce such a measure.
For bookings involving plastic scrap, plastic waste, or related materials, special confirmation of the applicable carriage policy will be required after 1 October 2026. In particular, two points demand close attention:
First, the HS Code and actual cargo classification must be verified with precision. The shared designation of "plastic" does not render plastic products and plastic waste interchangeable for carriage purposes.
Second, modifying cargo information to circumvent carriage restrictions is not a viable course of action. CMA CGM has previously made clear that misrepresentation of cargo nature may result in the relevant companies being placed on a blacklist.
Whether additional carriers will adopt comparable measures remains to be seen. Industry participants are advised to monitor official announcements from individual shipping lines closely.
