Montreal Convention

In force since November 4, 2003, the convention makes air carriers liable for cargo destruction, loss, damage or delay, limited to 26 SDR per kilogram since December 28, 2024, up from 22 SDR, unless a higher value is declared. The cargo limit cannot be broken even for carrier misconduct. Written notice of damage is due within 14 days of receipt and of delay within 21 days, and suits must be filed within two years. Electronic air waybills are permitted, and limits are reviewed every five years.

The Montreal Convention caps what an airline owes when cross-border air freight is lost or damaged, often far below product value. At 26 SDR, roughly $35 per kilogram, a lost 10-kilogram carton of luxury cosmetics worth $3,000 yields only about $350 from the carrier. Shippers moving high-value goods by air should declare value or insure. Damage notices must reach the carrier within 14 days, so receiving teams at fulfillment centers need to inspect and document air shipments promptly.

• Shipping InsuranceCoverage for lost or damaged packages
• Freight ClaimDemand to a carrier for lost or damaged freight
• ReceivingUnloading, checking, and recording inbound stock

• Warsaw Convention1929, in force 1933 · First treaty on airline liability for cargo
• Chicago Convention1944, in force 1947 · Founding treaty of ICAO and international aviation
• Air Cargo Deregulation Act of 19771977 · Freed US domestic air cargo routes and rates

1. Montreal Convention liability limits: 2024 revisions, Clyde & Co clydeco.com
2. Revised limits of liability under the Montreal Convention, Hong Kong Government info.gov.hk