On 1 May, 2026, a comprehensive amendment to the Chinese Maritime Code will come into effect
The most significant change for international trade is the mandatory application of Chapter IV (Contracts of Carriage of Goods by Sea) to any international contract of carriage where the port of loading or discharge is located in China. This means that even if a Bill of Lading contains a clause designating the law of another country as the governing law, Chinese courts will prioritise the Chinese Maritime Code. Any contractual provision in violation of the Code will be deemed null and void.
In case of any questions, please contact Rafał Czyżyk – Managing Partner (rczyzyk@cmwlegal.pl).