2.1 Overview
No specific internationally binding standards currently in force govern ship recycling as such. However, this sector does not operate in an entirely lawless environment. Firstly, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (hereinafter – Basel Convention) lays down a regime for the transporting of waste from State to State, subject to certain environmental and safety standards. Secondly, the IMO Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (not yet in force) sets out provisions on the safe and environmentally sound ship recycling. International non-binding instruments, such as the IMO guidelines,(1) See n. 32 below.as well as general international environmental law also provide for criteria and standards for the ship recycling industry.