GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Concealed damage

Concealed damage is invisible at delivery and only comes to light when goods are unpacked or put into use – making it one of the more contested issues in cargo claims handling.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.mhi.org/glossary/hidden-damage

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

156

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Definition & Explanation

Concealed damage is invisible at delivery and only comes to light when goods are unpacked or put into use – making it one of the more contested issues in cargo claims handling. Carriers, consignees, and insurers all face the same core difficulty: there is no outward sign of damage at the moment the shipment changes hands. Typical causes include rough handling during transit, inadequate packaging, or moisture that penetrates packaging without marking its exterior – think of electronics with internal faults or cartons whose contents are damp despite a dry outer surface. Unlike apparent damage, which is noted under reserve on the delivery receipt at the time of handover, concealed damage requires a written notice submitted after the fact. Under the CMR Convention, this notice must reach the carrier within seven days of delivery; for sea freight, the applicable deadlines are set by the bill of lading conditions. Missing these windows can extinguish the claim entirely.