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

Abstract

This paper scrutinizes Article 266 of the Serbian Criminal Code in the context of hazardous material regulation, highlighting its pivotal role in aligning Serbia’s criminal law with global environmental standards and safeguarding public health. Through a detailed analysis, the study examines the effectiveness of Article 266, identifying enforcement challenges and proposing improvements to enhance its application and impact. It presents a legal framework analysis, evaluates alignment with international treaties, and suggests recommendations for better hazardous waste management. The research underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for increased public awareness and education on environmental laws. The findings indicate that while Article 266 establishes a solid foundation for hazardous waste regulation, there is a crucial need for legislative refinement in the area of waste management, especially enhanced enforcement mechanisms, and broader educational outreach to ensure effective environmental protection and compliance with international norms.