GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Hamburg Rules

When a cargo claim arises in maritime transport, the applicable liability regime determines who bears the burden of proof and what the carrier owes.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 22 November 2025

Source: https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_hamburg.htm

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Definition & Explanation

When a cargo claim arises in maritime transport, the applicable liability regime determines who bears the burden of proof and what the carrier owes. The Hamburg Rules, adopted under UN auspices in 1978, extend the carrier's period of responsibility to cover the entire time goods are in its custody at port – including loading and discharge operations that fell outside the Hague-Visby framework. They also raise the liability limits and place the burden squarely on the carrier to prove that all reasonable measures were taken to prevent the loss or damage. Despite these shipper-friendly features, the Hamburg Rules have attracted limited ratification: major maritime nations including the UK, Germany, and the USA are not party to them, leaving Hague-Visby as the default regime across most trade lanes. Forwarders and shippers should always verify which set of rules governs a specific bill of lading before a claim arises.

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