GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

hazard liability

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gef%C3%A4hrdungshaftung

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

Strict liability – referred to in German legal terminology as Gefährdungshaftung – enters the picture in transport law the moment someone operates a recognised source of danger, without any need to establish personal fault. The claimant does not have to show negligence; the inherently hazardous nature of the activity, object, or installation is sufficient to trigger liability. In freight transport, this applies most notably to the carriage of dangerous goods, the operation of motor vehicles, and activities carrying an elevated risk of environmental harm. The contrast with fault-based liability is fundamental: under that regime, proven misconduct is a prerequisite for any claim. For carriers and logistics operators, the practical consequence is that impeccable operational standards alone cannot eliminate liability exposure, making appropriate insurance cover indispensable.

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