Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025

What Is It?

New laws have been enacted to update India's maritime trade regulations.

It nullifies the almost century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, a law from the colonial period.

Goals:

Harmonize India’s shipping regulations with international best practices like the Hague–Visby Rules.

Enhance business operations by clarifying legal terminology and minimizing uncertainties.

Boost India's standing as a center for maritime commerce.

Enable India to rapidly embrace upcoming global maritime agreements.

Main Characteristics:

Abolishes Obsolete Legislation: Substitutes the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 to remove colonial-era legal remnants and update maritime law.

Implements Hague–Visby Rules: Harmonizes Indian legislation with global maritime norms for bills of lading and cargo accountability.

Defines Carrier Duties: Sets explicit guidelines regarding carrier responsibilities, entitlements, and protections to minimize conflicts in cargo transportation.

Enables Government for Worldwide Coordination: Gives the Centre authority to swiftly embrace new international maritime agreements through notifications.

Facilitates Business Operations: Encourages legal clarity and optimization, easing maritime agreements and minimizing regulatory burdens.

Parliamentary Oversight: Guarantees that executive choices concerning international adoption remain accountable via legislative examination.

Legal Framework for the Future: Assists India in quickly adjusting to international shipping trends and enhances its role as a hub for maritime trade.

Concerning the Hague–Visby Rules:

A collection of global regulations overseeing the transport of goods by sea, established under the 1924 Hague Rules, subsequently revised in 1968 (Visby Protocol) and 1979 (SDR Protocol).

Officially named: “Global Agreement for the Standardization of Specific Legal Regulations Concerning Bills of Lading.”