China's Maritime Code: What it Means for You

China has overhauled its Maritime Code for the first time in over 30 years. The revised Code took effect on 1 May 2026, and it brings real changes for shipowners, charterers and anyone with cargo moving through Chinese ports.

Here's a plain-English look at the parts that matter most.

Stronger protections for cargo claims

Several changes make it easier to protect a claim and recover losses:

• A claim's limitation period can now be paused by a simple written demand, such as a letter of claim, not only by starting court or arbitration proceedings.

• Compensation for lost or damaged cargo is now based on the market price where and when the goods should have been delivered, with CIF value as a fallback.

• General average claims now carry a six-year long-stop, running from the end of the voyage.

Wider net of responsibility

The Code expands the definition of "actual carrier" to cover anyone who actually performs the carrier's cargo-handling duties. In practice, that can pull terminal operators and subcontractors into liability for loss or damage, though they can also benefit from the same liability limits as carriers.

Rules that override your contract

This is arguably the most far-reaching change. For international shipments loading or discharging at a Chinese port, the Code's cargo liability rules apply automatically. Even if your contract chooses English law or another governing law, those minimum standards still apply.

Higher liability limits

China isn't a party to the LLMC Convention, but the Code raises its liability limits to levels equivalent to the 1996 Protocol to the LLMC 1976. That significantly increases the amounts owners and others may have to pay on qualifying claims. Ship managers and voyage charterers, including slot charterers, are now clearly entitled to limit their liability too.

It's worth reviewing your contracts and operating practices, and taking legal advice where a specific case arises.