Polluter pays principle extended to oil spills

The European Court of Justice has held that oil accidentally spilt at sea can be considered waste under Community law, and that in certain circumstances the oil’s seller and the ship’s charterer can be liable for clean-up costs - whatever the position under international conventions. The decision reinforces the tendency of the Court to expand the ambit of Community waste legislation, even into areas traditionally covered by international law.

The full text of this article is only available to current registered subscribers and free trialists.