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Registration of Carriers

Guidance Note

Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence – Modification

A Waste Carrier Licence may need to be edited under certain circumstances during the life of that licence. It is the responsibility of the licence holder to notify the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) and ensure that the licence holder is always contactable while also ensuring NIEA records and online registers remain accurate and up to date.


Information on changes and associated fees
    Chargeable Changes
  • If your organisation changes what it does, for example you are registered as a waste Carrier but start acting as a waste Broker as well your licence need updated to reflect this. It costs £46.00 to change what your organisation does.
    • Changes that can be made for free
    If your organisation’s contact details change such as :
  • The main point of contact on your licence
  • Postal address (you will need to supply proof of the new address)
  • Email address
  • Telephone number.
    • Scenarios that will require a New Licence
    You must make a new registration if :
  • If your business type has legally changed, for example if you change from a sole trader to a limited company.
  • If you are changing from a Lower Tier to an Upper Tier registration

It costs £180.00 to make a new Upper Tier registration. See the following link that shows ‘New Upper Tier Carrier (New Registrations Only)’ - Registration of Carrier Guidance | Apply for Authorisation | Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland


Step by Step Instructions to Modify your Waste Carrier Licence
  • 1. Click on the following link -Registration of Carrier Guidance | Apply for Authorisation | Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland
  • 2. Select the green button towards the bottom of the page that says ‘Start Modification Process’
  • 3. You will then be prompted to log into an app ‘NI Direct’ or ‘Government Gateway’ before you will be able to modify your licence. You need to log into this before you can access the modification function. **Important - If you get an error message ‘MMPID’ while trying to log into Government Gateway please let us know and we can investigate this for you. **
  • 4. Once you have accessed Government Gateway you will then need to enter your ROC Licence number (ROC UT XXXX) as well as your ROC Application Reference number (ROCXXXXXXXXX). Both these numbers would be listed on the email you received when your licence was issued and are essential if any changes to the licence are to be made.
  • 5. When then logged in you can make any changes you then need to and submit your changes to the Registration of Carriers team to consider. Once the changes you have made have been accepted an amended licence will be issued to you. If further information is required, the ROC team will be in touch.

Frequently asked Questions

What is a ROC Application Number?

This is a nine-digit number that is issued to customers when their ROC licence is issued. This number will also be on shown on both the 2-month and 6-month reminders. This number will be required when customers want to renew, modify or cancel their licence. Example of this number will be ROCXXXXXXXXX.

What is a ROC Licence Number?

A licence number if Upper Tier will start ROC UT XXXX or if Lower Tier it would be ROC LT XXXX

How long does registration last?

An Upper Tier registration lasts for three years unless you decide to cancel it early or NIEA revokes it. A Lower Tier registration lasts indefinitely unless you cancel it early or NIEA revokes it.

Is it important to keep contact details up to date?

Yes, NIEA require accurate contact details to ensure the licence holder can be reached for inspections, audits, or compliance checks. This helps maintain legal standards for waste management. Also changes in legislation, renewal reminders, or guidance on best practices are often sent to licence holders. Without correct contact details, important information could be missed.

What happens if I am convicted of a waste offence after I have registered?

If an owner, partner, or company director of a registered waste carrier is convicted of an environmental offence, you must contact the Registration of Carriers team immediately at roc@daera-ni.gov.uk. This will enable NIEA staff to take the necessary precautionary steps and update the licence holder’s file accordingly. If the Agency refuses your application, we will let you know formally and supply you with details of how to appeal if you wish to.

Hazardous waste?

If your activities involve hazardous waste, you will need to comply with the Hazardous Waste Regulations. To find out what you are legally required to do please visit the NIEA website at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/hazardous-waste and the Netregs website at www.netregs.gov.uk

What is acceptable re proof of address?

We accept the following documents.

  • 1. Council tax/ Rates bill linking the business name to the business address.
  • 2. Utility bill linking the business name to the business address.
  • 3. Mortgage Statement on headed paper linking the business to the business premises.
  • 4. HMRC letter/tax notification on headed paper linking the business name to the business address.
  • 5. Driving licence (Note; This option can only be used for sole trader applications).

Note: We do not accept companies house, invoices or bank documents.

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