Hague-Visby Rules

In force since June 23, 1977, the rules require the carrier to exercise due diligence to make the ship seaworthy and to care properly for cargo, with listed exceptions such as navigational error. Liability is limited to the greater of 666.67 SDR per package or unit or 2 SDR per kilogram under the 1979 SDR Protocol, with packages listed on the bill of lading counting as units. Suits must be brought within one year of delivery. The UK applies them through the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971.

The rules set what an importer can recover when ocean cargo is lost or damaged on many non-US trades. Limits are low compared with the value of electronics or apparel, so cargo insurance matters more than carrier liability. For example, if a 20-kilogram carton of smartphones worth $15,000 is lost on a voyage from Southampton, the carrier owes about 666.67 SDR, roughly $900, unless a higher value was declared. Listing individual cartons on the bill of lading rather than one container raises the recoverable amount.

• Ocean Bill of LadingOcean carrier's receipt and contract
• Shipping InsuranceCoverage for lost or damaged packages
• Freight ClaimDemand to a carrier for lost or damaged freight

• Hague Rules1924, in force 1931 · 1924 treaty on ocean carrier bill of lading liability
• Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA)1936 · US ocean cargo liability law with $500 package limit
• Hamburg Rules1978, in force 1992 · UN sea cargo convention with higher carrier liability

1. Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971, legislation.gov.uk legislation.gov.uk
2. Hague-Visby Rules, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org