EU tightens toxic shipment rules - BBC

[Eugene]

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Thursday, 12 July 2007, 19:46 GMT 20:46 UK

EU tightens toxic shipment rules

New rules intended to stop toxic waste getting dumped in
developing countries have come into force across the EU.

The step follows the dumping last year of waste in Ivory
Coast by a Dutch-chartered ship, which caused 16 deaths
and made thousands more sick.

The rules oblige national authorities to make spot checks
on ships and give them the right to open containers.

Waste being moved around the EU will also have to be
accompanied by detailed information.

Martin Hojsik, a toxics expert with environmental campaign
group Greenpeace, said it was too early to say whether
waste exporters would be able to find ways around the
new rules.

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Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6896484.stm