GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 8, 2026

Abandonment of Cargo

Abandonment of cargo is the legal relinquishment of ownership rights by shipper or consignee when goods are not collected or cleared within a statutory or contractually defined period.

Last updated: 8 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.marineinsight.com/maritime-law/abandonment-of-cargo/

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Abandonment of cargo is the legal relinquishment of ownership rights by shipper or consignee when goods are not collected or cleared within a statutory or contractually defined period. The carrier or warehouse operator then acquires disposal rights: selling, auctioning, or disposing of the cargo to recover storage fees, freight charges, and associated costs. This process is strictly regulated and requires documentation—the timeframe varies by customs territory (often 60–90 days), and the holder must prove that proper notices were issued.

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Abandonment of Cargo

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Related Terms

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