GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF)

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.otif.org/en/legal-texts/cotif.html

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Logistics concept

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1 min

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123

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Definition & Explanation

Unlike domestic railway legislation, the Convention concerning International Carriage by Rail (COTIF) is an international treaty that establishes the binding legal framework for cross-border rail transport of goods and passengers among its member states. COTIF created the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), headquartered in Bern, which administers and updates the convention. For freight, Appendix B—the CIM Uniform Rules—governs the contract of carriage, liability, and claims procedures for consignments moving on a single through consignment note across multiple countries. Forwarders and rail operators rely on CIM terms to allocate liability clearly when goods change carriers or cross customs borders. COTIF should not be confused with EU technical interoperability regulations issued by the ERA, which address engineering standards rather than contractual rights.