Brazil: Supreme Court rules there is no time bar for environmental claims
The question of whether environmental claims in Brazil are subject to time bars, and if so, what the prescription periods would be, has finally been put to rest. Loggers had filed an appeal to the Supreme Court (STF), Brazil’s constitutional court, to challenge the judgments of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), Brazil’s highest court for non-constitutional issues. The latter had repeatedly ruled that environmental damage could not be barred by the passage of time.
On 17 April 2020, by majority votes in a plenary session, the STF established the legal thesis that “the claim for civil reparation of environmental damage is imprescriptible”. This thesis has binding effect which means it will benefit and bind the parties and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns.
Seeing that pollution claims in Brazil may be commenced many years after the event, shipowners, operators and their liability insurers are advised to keep their records on incidents which may potentially lead to environmental claims for as long as their companies exist. Members are referred to the Club Correspondents’ Proinde Circular|23 April 2020 for additional information.
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The UK Club’s Correspondents in Brazil, Representacoes Proinde Ltda, have prepared the attached Practical Guidance on Cargo Claims in Brazil. This detailed guidance provides an explanation of the Brazilian legal system in Brazil, the country’s regulatory framework, how cargo claims in Brazil are handled, the applicable time bars, etc.. Members who trade to Brazil will no doubt find this guidance very helpful. If Members have any questions relating to the content of this guidance, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your usual contact at the Club, or to contact the Correspondents directly.
Vietnam - Time Bars
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The time bars are defined under Article 149 of the Civil Code 2015 (to become effective from 01 January 2017) that time bar means a time-limit provided by law where, upon its expiry, a legal consequence arises as prescribed by law.
Saudi Arabia - Time Bars
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