Hamburg Rules

In force since November 1, 1992, the rules make the carrier liable for loss, damage and delay while goods are in its charge at the ports and at sea, unless it proves it took all reasonable measures. Limits are 835 SDR per package or 2.5 SDR per kilogram, whichever is higher. Hidden damage notice is due within 15 days and suits within two years. Fewer than 40 states, mostly developing countries such as Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, are parties; the United States and major shipping nations are not.

The Hamburg Rules matter for importers and exporters trading with the states that adopted them, because claims there may be decided under higher limits and longer time bars. Container line bills of lading usually point to the Hague or Hague-Visby Rules, but a court in a Hamburg Rules state may apply its own law. For example, a brand exporting goods to Nigeria may see a cargo claim heard in Lagos under the Hamburg Rules, with two years to sue instead of one. Forwarders should check which regime applies before quoting liability.

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

• Hague Rules1924, in force 1931 · 1924 treaty on ocean carrier bill of lading liability
• Hague-Visby Rules1968, in force 1977 · Amended Hague Rules on ocean carrier liability
• Rotterdam Rules2008, not in force · UN door-to-door sea cargo treaty, not yet in force

1. Status: Hamburg Rules, UNCITRAL uncitral.un.org
2. Hamburg Rules, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org