Lok Sabha Passes Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill 2024 to Modernize Maritime Regulations

The Lok Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 on March 28, 2025, aiming to modernize provisions governing the carriage of goods by sea and simplify maritime regulations. The bill, introduced in August 2024, replaces the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, aligning with international conventions for the unification of rules relating to bills of lading.

The new bill retains all provisions of the previous act and empowers the Union government to issue directions for its implementation and amend rules applicable to bills of lading. A bill of lading is a document issued by a freight carrier to a shipper, detailing the goods being carried. The rules outline responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities of goods carriers.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that the legislation is part of the government’s initiative to eliminate colonial-era laws and simplify maritime regulations for ease of doing business. The bill aims to provide clear responsibilities, liabilities, rights, and immunities for carriers in the shipping industry, ensuring smooth implementation and better understanding among stakeholders. The government’s goal is to make the law simpler and more comprehensible for all involved.

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