The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2025

Introduction

• The bill is moved by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Aims to replace the 100-year-old pre-independence Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Establishes responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities for goods transported from an Indian port to another domestic or international port.
• Conforms with the International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules of Law relating to Bills of Lading of August 1924 (Hague Rules) and its amendments.
• Retains all provisions of the original Act.
• Simplifies language and structure for better accessibility to stakeholders such as Indian exporters, importers, and shipping professionals.
• Aligns with contemporary drafting practices to reduce ambiguities and minimize litigation risks.

Empowerment and Oversight

• Empowers the government to swiftly adapt to evolving international maritime conventions.
• Ensures transparency and accountability through parliamentary oversight of executive notifications.