The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, was recently  passed by the Lok Sabha through a voice vote.

About the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024

• Replaces Old Act: The Bill replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
• Scope: It  governs the responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities related to goods transported from an Indian port to another Indian or international port.
• Objective: To modernize maritime laws and simplify regulations for the ease of doing business.
• Government’s Initiative: It is part of the broader effort to eliminate colonial-era laws and rationalize maritime policies.
• International Alignment: It conforms with the Hague Rules of 1924 and subsequent amendments.
• Retention of Provisions: The Bill retains all provisions of the 1925 Act while introducing simplifications. Provisions of the Bill Simplifying Maritime Regulations

• Government Powers:
  • The Union government is empowered to issue directions for implementing the Bill’s provisions.
  • It can amend the schedule specifying rules applicable to Bills of Lading.
• Bill of Lading:
  • A document issued by a freight carrier to a shipper.
  • Includes details such as type, quantity, condition, and destination of goods.

Key Outcomes of the Changes

• Ensures clear responsibilities and rights for carriers.
• Simplifies and rationalizes maritime laws.
• Facilitates ease of understanding and business operations in the shipping industry.