Why in News?
- Parliament has passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, repealing the nearly century‑old Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
- The new law modernises India’s maritime trade framework and aligns it with international conventions.
Objectives of the Bill
- Update India’s shipping laws to reflect current global practices such as the Hague–Visby Rules.
- Simplify language and reduce legal ambiguities to promote ease of doing business.
- Enhance India’s competitiveness as a maritime hub and allow quick adoption of future conventions.
Key Provisions
- Repeal of outdated legislation: The Act of 1925 is replaced, eliminating colonial‑era relics.
- Adoption of Hague–Visby standards: Aligns Indian law with well‑recognised international rules governing bills of lading and carrier liability.
- Codification of responsibilities: Defines carrier liabilities, rights and immunities to reduce disputes.
- Government powers: Allows the central government to adopt emerging maritime conventions through notifications, subject to parliamentary oversight.
- Business facilitation: Streamlines legal processes for maritime contracts, reducing compliance burdens.
Significance
- Creates a future‑ready legal framework that can rapidly adjust to evolving trade and shipping norms.
- Supports India’s aspiration to become a global shipping hub by providing clarity and predictability.
- Enhances investor confidence by harmonising domestic laws with international standards.
Conclusion
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, is a major reform that brings India’s maritime laws into the twenty‑first century. By aligning with global rules and providing a simple legal structure, it will boost trade, reduce disputes and strengthen India’s maritime sector.
