EPR System in Bulgaria
Spis treści
Even if your company operates mainly in a B2B model and doesn’t handle waste directly, you may still have reporting obligations — for instance, if you import goods into Bulgaria, run local operations, or generate packaging waste.
Like many EU countries, Bulgaria has introduced a mandatory electronic system for reporting all activities related to waste. The NWIS (National Waste Information System) is designed to record and monitor every entity that produces, transports, stores, or processes waste. If your business touches any of these areas, registration in the NWIS may be required.
That said, not every company needs to register. Businesses that do not physically operate in Bulgaria, such as remote IT freelancers or firms without any waste-generating activities, are generally exempt.
In practical terms, this means one thing: if your operations involve any kind of waste management, you’ll likely need to maintain records and submit electronic reports. This isn’t just about environmental compliance — the system is legally binding, and fines for non-compliance can reach tens of thousands of BGN (Bulgarian levs). Reporting deadlines are strict, and there’s no room for “I didn’t know” or “I forgot.”
This article is intended for European businesses, particularly SMEs and B2B operators, who often manage activities across multiple markets. Here, you’ll find not only the key facts about the NWIS but also answers to the most common questions: who needs to register, how to do it, what reporting involves, and what obligations apply to companies active in Bulgaria.
It’s worth noting that the NWIS operates under Bulgaria’s Waste Management Act (Закон за управление на отпадъците) of 2012, as well as various executive regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment and Water.
So, let’s start from the beginning — what exactly is this system, and why can’t you afford to ignore it?
What Is the NWIS and Why It Matters for Companies Operating in Bulgaria
The National Waste Information System (NWIS) is a central, fully digital platform that allows Bulgarian authorities to monitor what happens to waste generated across the country. It covers everything from company registration to documentation related to transportation, storage, processing, and generation of waste.
The system is managed by the Bulgarian Environment Executive Agency in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Water. Everything runs online — there are no paper submissions and no offline workarounds. If your company has any operational connection to waste within Bulgaria, you’re required to use NWIS.
Within the system, authorities can access detailed data about registered entities, administrative permits, submitted reports, and waste transfer records. In other words, NWIS is not just an organizational tool — it’s also an enforcement instrument.
For businesses operating across Europe, the key takeaway is clear: working in Bulgaria without understanding NWIS compliance is risky. Even if your activities are mostly remote, you may still fall under reporting obligations if, for instance, you organize transport of goods that could generate waste.
Think of NWIS as Bulgaria’s equivalent of national waste registries in other EU countries — systems like France’s Trackdéchets or Italy’s RENTRI. However, unlike some national systems, NWIS is entirely digital, tightly regulated, and applies strictly to businesses directly involved in the waste lifecycle.
For startups and expanding SMEs, the main point is this: NWIS isn’t just red tape — it’s a legal obligation. Ignoring it can lead to financial penalties and administrative blocks. But once you understand how it works and integrate it into your compliance process, it becomes just another part of operating safely and legally within the EU framework.
Who Manages the NWIS System?
The operation and maintenance of Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) are overseen by two main public institutions.
The first is the Executive Environment Agency, which administers the platform, supervises data entered by users, and ensures that irregularities are addressed.
The second is the Ministry of Environment and Water, responsible for the legal framework, issuing implementing regulations, and aligning Bulgaria’s national waste management policy with European Union standards.
Thanks to this cooperation, the NWIS is not just another administrative database — it’s a powerful enforcement tool ensuring that companies operating in Bulgaria take real environmental responsibility for their activities.
How the NWIS Works – A Technical Overview
The system is divided into several integrated modules, each managing a different part of the data flow. The two most important are the Public Registry Module and the Reporting Module.
The Public Registry contains information about companies registered within the NWIS — including their administrative authorisations, the type of waste-related activities they conduct, and whether their registration is currently active.
This registry is publicly accessible, meaning that both authorities and business partners can easily verify whether a company is operating legally.
The Reporting Module serves as the user workspace. Here, companies handle their daily compliance tasks: submitting applications, maintaining ongoing records, generating transport documentation, keeping waste ledgers, and filing annual reports.
All activities must be completed electronically and validated using a qualified electronic signature that complies with Bulgarian national standards (note that not all EU-issued signatures are automatically recognised).
The NWIS platform is available only in Bulgarian, which means many foreign companies choose to work with local representatives, accounting firms, or environmental consultants to manage their obligations effectively.
Importantly, the system does not accept late submissions. Missing a reporting deadline can lead to administrative penalties and potential compliance audits, so efficient internal organisation is essential.
Why the NWIS Matters
By implementing NWIS, Bulgaria not only fulfilled EU environmental data requirements but also created a functional, enforceable compliance system. In practice, this means that any business involved in generating, transporting, processing, or storing waste that fails to register — or provides incomplete data — will be identified quickly.
Data entered into NWIS is cross-checked against other databases, such as transport documentation and on-route inspections, making it virtually impossible to conceal non-compliance or errors.
For European businesses — especially SMEs operating in B2B, logistics, manufacturing, or e-commerce — this system can seem demanding, but it also brings a competitive advantage.
Complying with NWIS requirements signals transparency, legality, and environmental accountability, which can significantly enhance trust among Bulgarian partners and authorities.
If your business operates in e-commerce, transport, logistics, manufacturing, or simply exports goods that generate packaging or other waste, ignoring the NWIS could result in serious financial and legal consequences.
The good news? As you’ll see in the next part of this guide, implementing NWIS compliance isn’t complicated once you understand how the system works.
Who Needs to Register?
The NWIS does not apply exclusively to large industrial plants or companies specialising in waste management. In reality, the system covers a wide range of businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises that only indirectly deal with waste or are part of a logistics or trading chain.
If you operate in Bulgaria — or plan to — it’s essential to understand whether your activities fall under the registration requirement and what specific obligations may apply.
Waste Producers and Processors
Among the entities required to register in Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) are all businesses that generate waste in quantities exceeding thresholds defined under Bulgarian waste legislation.
Whether it’s industrial, municipal, or hazardous waste — if waste generation is part of your business process, you are likely subject to registration.
This includes companies engaged in manufacturing, assembly, processing, or operating larger service facilities, such as workshops, machining plants, and repair centres.
Businesses involved in waste recovery and processing — including recycling firms, treatment operators, landfills, collection centres, and sorting facilities — must also document their operations and file reports through NWIS.
Their reporting ensures full traceability of how waste is managed, transported, and ultimately processed.
Transport and Storage Companies
A frequently overlooked but crucial group under NWIS obligations includes companies that transport or temporarily store waste.
Even if your business does not generate waste itself, you may still fall under the registration requirement if you transport waste on behalf of clients or partners.
This applies not only to logistics operators, but also to construction, renovation, or courier companies that move waste materials from their point of origin to a disposal or treatment site.
If your company performs such activities on a regular basis, it should be registered in the NWIS.
The same rules apply to logistics centres, warehouses, and transshipment hubs, where waste is temporarily stored before being transported or processed further.
Even short-term storage can trigger registration duties, as it constitutes part of the waste management chain.
Producer Responsibility Organisations and EPR Importers
Another key category includes businesses subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
If you import products into Bulgaria that become waste after use — such as packaging, electronic devices, batteries, chemicals, tyres, or textiles — you are legally required to register in the NWIS.
This obligation arises under the Bulgarian Waste Management Act and specific EPR regulations governing different product groups.
In addition, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) — entities that act on behalf of producers or importers to coordinate collection, recycling, and reporting — must also maintain records in the NWIS.
These organisations are responsible for ensuring that their members meet recycling and recovery targets and submit accurate electronic reports.
In practical terms, this means that even if your business is based outside Bulgaria — for instance, an EU company selling cosmetics in plastic packaging to Bulgarian customers — you may still be required to register and report through NWIS.
When Registration Is Not Required
While NWIS covers a broad spectrum of business activities, there are specific exemptions.
Households do not need to register, provided the waste they generate is for personal use and does not exceed legal thresholds.
Certain micro-enterprises producing only minimal quantities of waste may also be exempt — but determining eligibility requires close attention to the exact waste classification codes and quantities generated.
The relevant criteria are detailed in the implementing regulations to the Bulgarian Waste Management Act.
Before assuming your company is exempt, it is strongly advised to consult a local environmental advisor or review official guidance issued by supervisory authorities.
Incorrectly skipping registration can lead to penalties, even for small operators.
Assistance with Using the NWIS System
Registration and day-to-day management within Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) can be carried out independently or with professional support. In practice, many foreign companies operating in Bulgaria choose to work with local experts — accountants, law firms, or environmental consultants — who take over part of the formal responsibilities.
This approach is especially useful because the entire platform and its documentation are available only in Bulgarian. For many non-native users, the technical language of the system can become a serious obstacle, so collaborating with someone familiar with local procedures and terminology can prevent costly mistakes and delays.
Registration in the NWIS
In Bulgaria, the registration process is entirely digital — there is no paper-based procedure. The NWIS platform was specifically designed to shift all communication between businesses and the environmental authorities into a fully online environment. For any company covered by waste legislation, registration is not optional but the first and essential step toward legal operation in the waste sector.
The process takes place through the official portal of the Executive Environment Agency. Depending on the company’s legal structure and the type of activity, the steps may vary slightly, but generally the process involves creating an account, entering company details, specifying the type of waste-related activity, attaching the necessary documentation, and submitting the electronic application.
All forms and attachments must be signed with a qualified electronic signature recognised by the Bulgarian administrative system. In practice, this often requires either a Bulgarian-issued signature or working through a local representative who holds one, as not all electronic signatures from other EU countries are automatically compatible with the system.
Once submitted, the application is verified by the agency’s officials, who check whether the information and attachments are complete and accurate. Errors or omissions can result in requests for correction or, in some cases, rejection. Typical documents include a company extract from the national business register, proof of the type of waste-related activity, and, if applicable, a power of attorney. Depending on the complexity of the case, approval usually takes from several days to a few weeks.
The NWIS Registration Number
After successful registration, the company receives an individual NWIS registration number. This is more than a mere formality — it functions as the business’s official environmental identification code and must appear in all records, reports, and correspondence related to waste management. The number is linked to a specific entity, scope of activity, and physical location.
Any modification in company details, operational scope, or address requires an update in the system before new activities begin. Failing to report such changes may be treated as a breach of environmental obligations, subject to administrative sanctions.
Use of the NWIS Number
The NWIS registration number must be present on all official documentation concerning waste handling and environmental compliance. This includes waste transfer notes, transport documentation, annual reports, contracts with waste management partners, and communication with environmental authorities.
Using a suspended or inactive number, or failing to include it in official documentation, can invalidate the document and expose the company to penalties during inspections. The system leaves very little room for administrative oversight — accuracy and timely updates are crucial for compliance.
Penalties for Missing or Incorrect NWIS Registration
If your business is legally required to register in Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) but fails to do so, the consequences can be severe. Administrative fines can reach up to 25,000 BGN, depending on the scale and nature of the violation. Smaller irregularities usually result in lower penalties, but repeated non-compliance or deliberate avoidance can lead to far harsher measures — including suspension of waste-related activities.
It is also important to remember that NWIS records are public. The registry displays information about each company’s status, authorisations, and field of operation. This transparency means that not only the authorities, but also your business partners, clients, and contractors can verify whether your company is legally compliant. A missing or inactive registration can therefore harm not just your formal standing, but also your credibility and reputation in the market.
Waste Recordkeeping in Bulgaria – How It Works in Practice
Registration in NWIS is only the beginning. Once a company is registered, it must maintain accurate, ongoing electronic waste records, entered directly into the system. This stage requires the most precision and consistency — every activity related to waste generation, storage, or transport must be recorded clearly and within the prescribed timelines.
The purpose of recordkeeping goes beyond paperwork. It serves as a control mechanism, enabling Bulgarian authorities to ensure that waste is managed in a legal and environmentally sound manner. Errors or inconsistencies in the data can lead to fines, inspections, or formal explanations requested by regulators. In this respect, accuracy is not optional — it’s an operational necessity.
Waste Ledgers by Type of Activity
Every company registered in NWIS must keep an electronic waste ledger tailored to the nature of its business. The structure and data fields vary depending on whether the company produces, processes, stores, or transports waste.
In practice, one company may be required to maintain several ledgers, each corresponding to a distinct function. These records must include detailed information about the type and quantity of waste, the date and location of its generation or receipt, the storage method, the mode of transport, and the recipient or contractor involved.
All waste types must be classified according to the European List of Waste (LoW), which applies uniformly across EU Member States. Each waste stream has a specific LoW code that must be entered correctly into the system.
The NWIS platform enforces data completeness — incomplete or inconsistent entries cannot be submitted or validated. As a result, users must ensure that all required fields are filled in and aligned with subsequent periodic reports. Responsibility for data accuracy lies with the company’s owner or an authorised person, such as an environmental specialist, chief accountant, or external representative acting on behalf of the firm.
Waste Transfer Notes – When and How to Generate Them
Before any waste leaves the site where it was generated or stored, a waste transfer note must be created. This document certifies that the waste is being transferred to an authorised recipient and that the process complies with legal requirements. In the NWIS platform, the transfer note is generated electronically and must be issued before the waste physically leaves the premises. It cannot be backdated or prepared in advance without complete data.
The note includes information on the waste type and LoW code, the quantity and date, the transport method, as well as details about the carrier and the NWIS registration numbers of both sender and recipient. Once confirmed, the document is automatically recorded in the system and becomes visible to environmental authorities and inspectors.
If the data in the transfer note are incorrect, or if the note is missing entirely, the transport may be classified as illegal. Such violations can result in substantial fines and administrative sanctions — particularly if detected during road inspections or on-site audits.
The NWIS system is designed to make non-compliance immediately traceable. Keeping your documentation consistent and updated is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s an essential part of building operational
Monthly Waste Record Closures
Keeping your waste ledger up to date in Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) doesn’t end with entering data as operations occur. Each company must also formally close its waste records every month, confirming all waste transactions recorded during that period.
The closing must be completed by the 15th day of the following month. For example, entries for August must be verified and finalised no later than 15 September. After this date, the system automatically locks the ledger, preventing any new data from being added or existing entries edited.
The monthly closure process involves checking that all records correspond correctly with waste transfer notes, transport documentation, and related contracts. Once the data are reviewed and confirmed, the company can generate a monthly waste summary, which consolidates all activity for the reporting period.
Failing to meet the deadline, entering incorrect data, or leaving the ledger incomplete can still result in administrative penalties — even if the actual waste management practices were compliant. Authorities evaluate companies based on what is officially recorded in the system, not on physical operations alone.
In addition to monthly closures, all registered businesses are required to submit an annual waste report. This report provides a broader overview of all waste-related activities carried out within the calendar year, including aggregated statistics, classifications, and a list of final waste recipients.
Making Recordkeeping Easier
For small businesses and micro-enterprises, maintaining an electronic waste ledger in NWIS can initially seem complex or time-consuming. Many companies therefore turn to automation tools or third-party assistance to simplify the process.
One increasingly common approach is to integrate the NWIS workflow with existing ERP systems, allowing for the automatic import of data related to production, transport, and waste quantities. This integration can significantly reduce manual entry, provided that the ERP system supports exports in a format compatible with NWIS.
It is advisable to consider this connection early, ideally during system implementation, to avoid duplicating work later. For businesses unfamiliar with the Bulgarian language or legal framework, delegating recordkeeping to local consultants, accountants, or environmental service providers is often the most practical and reliable solution. Because the entire NWIS interface operates solely in Bulgarian, having a partner who understands the system ensures compliance and accuracy.
Reporting to the NWIS – Deadlines and Requirements
While closing monthly ledgers is mandatory, it mainly serves as preparation for the most important compliance task of the year: the annual waste report. This document summarises all waste-related activities your company has conducted during the previous calendar year and serves as the official record submitted to the Bulgarian environmental authorities.
The report cannot be skipped, postponed, or modified once the deadline passes. It is essential to understand its timelines, structure, and legal significance, as failure to submit it may trigger administrative proceedings and fines.
Deadline for the Annual Report
The annual NWIS report must be submitted by 31 March each year. It covers the full previous calendar year and is generated directly through the NWIS platform. The data are aggregated automatically from previously entered monthly records and waste transfer notes — meaning the quality and accuracy of your annual report depend entirely on how meticulously your data have been entered throughout the year.
The 31 March deadline is strict and non-negotiable. After this date, the system disables submission functionality, and no manual corrections or delayed filings are accepted. Even if your company’s activity was minimal or temporarily suspended, you are still required to submit a report. A lack of activity does not exempt you from reporting.
Qualified Electronic Signature Requirement
Every annual report must be electronically signed using a qualified electronic signature (QES). The system will not accept unsigned reports, regardless of whether they are submitted by the business owner or an authorised representative.
In principle, qualified certificates issued by EU-recognised providers — such as Certum or Szafir — can be used in NWIS, provided they are technically compatible. However, in practice, many companies choose to use a Bulgarian-issued signature or act through a local authorised representative to avoid technical issues when integrating the signature with the platform.
Without a valid QES, submitting the report is impossible. Missing or invalid signatures result in the report being considered not filed, which may lead to the initiation of administrative procedures and possible financial sanctions.
The digital signature requirement ensures the authenticity and accountability of each submission — reinforcing the system’s role as a secure, transparent tool for environmental compliance across Bulgaria and, by extension, the European Union framework.
No Corrections After the Deadline
One of the defining features of Bulgaria’s National Waste Information System (NWIS) is its strict enforcement of deadlines. After 31 March, the annual report is permanently locked — the system no longer allows edits, updates, or re-submission of revised data.
Corrections are only possible in exceptional circumstances, and only after submitting a formal written request to the competent environmental authority, which must explicitly approve the amendment. Such procedures are rare and reserved for justified cases, meaning that accuracy before submission is essential.
The best practice is to conduct an internal data verification before signing the report. This includes comparing records with waste transfer notes, partner documentation, and contractual data. Only once all discrepancies have been resolved should the report be signed electronically and submitted.
Penalties for Late or Missing Reports
Failure to submit the annual NWIS report — or submitting it late or incomplete — constitutes a serious breach of environmental regulations. The Bulgarian authorities can impose administrative fines, with amounts varying depending on the type and scale of business.
Penalties may reach tens of thousands of BGN, especially if the company has a record of previous non-compliance within the NWIS system. In addition to financial consequences, non-submission may lead to suspension of system access, effectively blocking further waste reporting or documentation. In practice, this means a halt in waste-related activities, which can be particularly damaging for logistics, manufacturing, and processing companies that rely on continuous operations.
How to Safeguard Compliance
NWIS reporting is not a one-off obligation but a continuous administrative process that requires organisation, precision, and strict adherence to timelines.
Companies are advised to maintain an internal reporting calendar and to designate a responsible person or department for waste documentation. All submitted reports should be securely archived for at least five years, as records may be reviewed during environmental audits or administrative inspections.
While the system may initially seem bureaucratic, especially to smaller EU firms entering the Bulgarian market, a well-structured and, where possible, automated reporting process quickly becomes an advantage. It not only ensures compliance but also strengthens transparency, trust, and business credibility among local partners and regulators.
Legal Foundations of the NWIS
The NWIS is not merely an administrative platform — it is a legally embedded instrument within Bulgaria’s national environmental framework. Its operation is grounded in a clear set of laws and regulations that define how waste management data must be registered, reported, and monitored. Every business obligation — from registration to recordkeeping — originates from these legal acts and strategic documents guiding Bulgaria’s waste policy in alignment with European Union legislation.
For companies operating in Bulgaria, whether through local subsidiaries or cross-border trade, understanding these foundations is crucial. Compliance is not optional; it stems directly from binding national and EU legal requirements, enforced by Bulgaria’s environmental authorities.
The Waste Management Act
The cornerstone of the NWIS is the Waste Management Act of 2012 (Закон за управление на отпадъците), which established the system as the official tool for recording and reporting waste operations.
The Act defines who must register, what types of waste are subject to reporting, what information must be submitted, and in what form. It also serves as the legal basis for imposing penalties for non-compliance — including failure to register, errors in reports, or delays in data submission.
Crucially, the Act recognises NWIS not only as an administrative mechanism but also as an instrument for implementing Bulgaria’s waste management policy and its commitments under EU environmental law.
Implementing Regulations
The detailed operational rules of the NWIS are set out in Implementing Regulation No. 1 of 4 June 2014, which specifies the technical procedures, document formats, and workflow requirements for waste documentation and public registries.
This regulation outlines how to maintain electronic waste ledgers, how to generate waste transfer notes, and the timelines for completing each reporting stage. Designed to provide practical guidance, it helps companies comply with the system’s requirements correctly and avoid administrative errors or sanctions.
In effect, the regulation acts as a user manual embedded within the legal system — defining not only what needs to be done, but also how it should be done to ensure legal conformity.
The National Waste Management Strategy 2021–2028
The NWIS also plays a central role in Bulgaria’s National Waste Management Strategy 2021–2028, which frames the country’s broader environmental and circular-economy goals. While not a legally binding act, the Strategy serves as a policy roadmap for interpreting and shaping future waste regulations.
It sets national objectives such as increasing recycling rates, reducing landfill dependency, and advancing the transition toward a circular economy. Within this framework, NWIS is identified as a key instrument for digitalisation, transparency, and integration in environmental governance.
The Strategy also anticipates the further expansion of the system, including potential integration with other national registers and the introduction of new obligations for companies, depending on upcoming legislative updates.
Inspections and Sanctions
The National Waste Information System (NWIS) is more than just an administrative requirement — it is a real enforcement mechanism used by Bulgarian environmental authorities to monitor companies operating in the waste sector. Through this system, regulators maintain both digital oversight and on-site control of waste management activities.
Every entity registered in NWIS can be subject to inspection — not only through document review, but also via physical verification of how waste is actually handled. The system’s integration with national databases allows for continuous, data-driven supervision that complements traditional inspection methods.
Scope of Inspections
Inspections under NWIS cover both data analysis and field verification. They may be scheduled, according to the annual plan of the Environmental Inspectorate, or ad hoc, triggered by irregularities detected in the system or reported by business partners.
During an inspection, authorities verify whether the information recorded in waste transfer notes, monthly ledgers, and the annual report is complete and internally consistent. Checks may be conducted remotely or through unannounced visits to company premises, storage facilities, or even during waste transport.
Inspectors are authorised to stop vehicles carrying waste and compare the cargo with digital documentation in the system. They also review whether the company’s NWIS registration number is active and properly used across all documents. Using an expired, inactive, or incorrect number may be considered a violation, even if the company is otherwise compliant.
Possible Sanctions
If irregularities are discovered, a company may face financial or administrative penalties. Fines typically range from several thousand to 50,000 BGN, but in serious or repeated cases they can reach up to 100,000 BGN, in accordance with the Waste Management Act of 2012.
The most severe offences include operating without NWIS registration. However, even procedural errors — such as missing waste transfer notes, delayed monthly closures, or failure to submit the annual report — can lead to penalties.
In cases of persistent non-compliance, NWIS access can be temporarily blocked, preventing the company from submitting documentation or reports. This effectively suspends the company’s waste-related operations, which can have serious business implications, especially for logistics, manufacturing, or recycling firms that depend on ongoing compliance.
Because NWIS is connected to other administrative systems — including transport, customs, and partner registries — data entered by one company can be cross-checked against those of others. Even if a business is not directly inspected, discrepancies between records may trigger a data-based compliance review.
Common Mistakes
The most frequent violations identified during inspections include the absence of a valid NWIS registration number in official documents, incomplete or incorrect data in transfer notes, and failure to close monthly ledgers on time. Missing or late annual reports are another common issue.
Another recurring problem is the use of unqualified or incompatible electronic signatures — for example, relying on a basic digital signature or e-government profile instead of a qualified eIDAS-compliant certificate.
Occasionally, companies also enter inaccurate data, sometimes due to human error or misunderstanding of requirements. However, Bulgarian environmental authorities treat all discrepancies as regulatory breaches, regardless of intent. The legal responsibility for data accuracy always rests with the company or its authorised representative.
Why Preparation Matters
The NWIS rewards companies that operate transparently and systematically. Businesses that treat compliance as a strategic part of their operations rarely face problems, while those that attempt to bypass requirements quickly attract attention from regulators.
For EU businesses — particularly B2B operators active in logistics, processing, or manufacturing — this means adopting clear internal control procedures, maintaining up-to-date documentation, and ensuring all NWIS entries are correct and timely.
What might be considered a minor oversight in another country can lead to substantial penalties or even temporary suspension of operations in Bulgaria. The safest approach is to view NWIS not as an administrative burden but as an integral part of responsible business management.
Regular internal audits, cooperation with local environmental consultants, and proactive monitoring of regulatory updates form the foundation for a stable, compliant, and trustworthy presence on the Bulgarian market.
Summary – What You Need to Remember
The National Waste Information System (NWIS) is far more than a bureaucratic formality. It is the digital backbone of Bulgaria’s waste management framework — a real-time system that leaves very little room for error.
If your company operates in Bulgaria or plans to enter the market, understanding how NWIS works is essential for legal compliance and secure business operations.
Key Obligations You Must Keep in Check
The first and most important step is registration in the NWIS — done exclusively online and validated with a qualified electronic signature. Once approved, your company receives a unique registration number, which must appear on all waste-related documentation.
After registration, your company is required to maintain continuous electronic waste records. Each waste stream must be logged in the system, and every transfer to another entity must be preceded by an officially generated transfer note. The waste ledger must be closed by the 15th day of each following month, and a comprehensive annual report must be submitted by 31 March. Once the deadline passes, no corrections or updates are possible.
These processes ensure traceability and transparency — but they also demand strict organisation, consistency, and awareness of reporting deadlines.
Why NWIS Compliance Matters
For Bulgarian authorities, NWIS is the primary source of truth about a company’s waste-related activities. The data you submit forms the basis for inspections, evaluations, and administrative decisions.
An inactive registration number, inconsistencies between ledgers and transfer notes, late submissions, or missing reports can all lead to financial penalties or even temporary suspension of waste operations.
Conversely, companies that comply fully benefit from enhanced trust and credibility — both with regulators and business partners.
Demonstrating that you treat environmental compliance seriously signals reliability and transparency, qualities that translate directly into stronger partnerships and a more stable presence in the European market.
Although NWIS is somewhat comparable to systems such as Poland’s BDO, it is more centralised, more data-driven, and functions in real time. This means your records and reports must be accurate and up to date at every stage — not just at the end of the year.
Starting Out – The First Steps
If you are just entering the Bulgarian market, begin by assessing whether your business falls under the NWIS registration obligation. Contrary to common assumptions, you do not need to operate a landfill or recycling plant to be covered by the law. The obligation also applies to companies involved in waste transport, industrial production, storage of residues, or import of products under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), such as packaging, electronics, or tyres.
If the answer is yes, prepare for registration by ensuring you have a qualified electronic signature recognised by the Bulgarian system, and gather all required documents — such as company registration data, authorisations, or sector-specific licences. Define your waste-related activities clearly and identify the relevant operating sites.
Once registered, it is crucial to implement internal procedures that support accurate and timely recordkeeping. You can manage this internally, through a local environmental advisor, or via ERP system integration that automates data transfer.
Operating under NWIS is an ongoing process, not a one-time formality. It requires diligence, precision, and clear organisation — but when handled properly, it becomes a competitive advantage, demonstrating that your company operates responsibly, transparently, and in line with both Bulgarian and EU environmental standards.
