# Liability limitation under the German Commercial Code (HGB)

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> Under the German Commercial Code (HGB), liability for freight forwarders, carriers, and warehousemen is capped by law: the HGB liability limitation sets the maximum compensation payable in cases of cargo loss, damage, or delay.

Under the German Commercial Code (HGB), liability for freight forwarders, carriers, and warehousemen is capped by law: the HGB liability limitation sets the maximum compensation payable in cases of cargo loss, damage, or delay. Limits are typically expressed per kilogram of gross weight or as a fixed amount per consignment, and they cease to apply where the carrier acted with intent or gross negligence. In day-to-day forwarding operations, these thresholds determine how much insurance cover a shipper actually needs—when cargo value exceeds the statutory cap, the residual risk falls on the cargo owner. Shippers should also review any additional contractual clauses in the forwarder's general terms, which may modify these limits within the bounds permitted by law.

**Source:** [https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Liability limitation under the German Commercial Code (HGB) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 117 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/hgb/ |

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