Bringing hazardous materials into Serbia and illegal processing, disposal, and storage of hazardous materials – a criminal offence under article 266 of the Criminal code

Abstract

This paper examines the legal and practical aspects of Article 266 of the Serbian Criminal Code, which criminalizes the import, as well as illegal processing, disposal, and storage of hazardous materials in Serbia. The study explores the conceptual underpinnings of the law, emphasizing its role in safeguarding public health and environmental safety. It scrutinizes the application of Article 266, highlighting notable cases and enforcement strategies employed by Serbian judicial authorities, as well as a study cases related to problems of hazardous waste. The paper also delves into the inherent challenges in the legislation`s implementation, including the identification and classification of dangerous substances, the evolving nature of hazardous materials, and jurisdictional issues. Moreover, the study critically analyzes the impact of international conventions and European Union standards on Serbian law, exploring how global trends influence domestic legal frameworks. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for enhancing the efficacy of Article 266, suggesting legislative reforms, raising public awareness, and improving inter-agency collaboration to effectively combat the illegal handling of hazardous materials in Serbia. U radu se analiziraju pravni i praktični aspekti člana 266.