On May 1, 2026, the sweeping amendments to the Maritime Code of China officially entered into force, marking the first comprehensive overhaul since 1993. Adopted in October 2025, these changes dramatically reshape the legal landscape for international logistics. Understanding the new Chinese Revised Maritime Code Jurisdiction is critical, as it fundamentally alters carrier liability, dispute resolution mechanisms, and operational workflows.
A highly consequential update lies in Article 295, directly impacting standard bills of lading and freight forwarding contracts. Under the updated Chinese Revised Maritime Code Jurisdiction, Chinese law automatically applies to carriage contracts if goods transit through a Chinese port, aggressively overriding standard foreign jurisdiction clauses. Chinese courts now hold enhanced authority to assert jurisdiction over foreign third parties, effectively limiting traditional contractual freedom in global shipping.
The 2026 revision completely abolishes the previous exclusion of domestic coastal carriage from Chapter IV regulations. Both international and coastal carriage are now integrated under a unified framework. However, coastal carriers face a continuous obligation of seaworthiness throughout their voyages, which diverges significantly from established international standards requiring due diligence only at the beginning of a voyage.
- Review bills of lading immediately to ensure jurisdiction clauses align with the mandatory Code provisions.
- Update claims-handling workflows to meet newly imposed, stricter internal deadlines for cargo claims in China.
- Verify that Hull and P&I coverage meets or exceeds the newly introduced compulsory liability thresholds.
Global stakeholders must proactively adapt their operations to remain compliant with this assertive new legal framework.
References
Ashurst – https://www.ashurst.com/en/insights/revised-prc-maritime-code/
Global Law Experts – https://globallawexperts.com/china-maritime-code/
Law.asia – https://law.asia/understanding-amendments-maritime-code/
NorthStandard – https://north-standard.com/insights/news/china-maritime-code-2026-key-changes/
The Loadstar – https://theloadstar.com/chinas-maritime-code-revision/
Reed Smith – https://www.reedsmith.com/en/perspectives/2025/11/china-adopts-major-amendments-to-maritime-law
