US COGSA (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act): liability limits and deadlines
COGSA is the US enactment of the 1924 Hague Rules. The United States ratified the Hague Rules in 1937 but never adopted the Visby or SDR Protocols, so the limit remains a fixed US$500 per package, which has not been adjusted for inflation.
Full name: United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1936 (now at 46 U.S.C. § 30701 note), implementing the Hague Rules
Status: In force (US statute)
Mode: Ocean
Carrier's liability limit
US$500 per package, or per customary freight unit for goods not shipped in packages, unless the nature and value were declared and inserted in the bill of lading (§ 4(5)).
Notice, claim and time-bar deadlines
- Notice of loss/damage
- In writing before or at the time of removal; within 3 days of delivery if the loss or damage is not apparent (§ 3(6)).
- Time bar (suit)
- 1 year after delivery of the goods or the date when they should have been delivered (§ 3(6)).
Who it applies to
Every bill of lading or similar document of title for carriage of goods by sea to or from ports of the United States in foreign trade (§ 13). Parties often extend COGSA contractually to inland legs and to domestic coastal moves.
Of the 20 countries we cover, these are parties or apply it: United States.
Important notes
- What counts as a 'package' (a pallet, a carton, a container) is heavily litigated in US courts; the bill of lading description matters.
- US$500 is a nominal dollar amount; it is not converted from SDR.
FAQ
Is COGSA the same as Hague-Visby?
No. COGSA follows the original Hague Rules: no per-kg alternative and a flat US$500 per package or customary freight unit.
Does COGSA apply to imports into the US?
Yes. It applies to shipments to or from US ports in foreign trade.
Primary sources
- 46 U.S.C. § 30701 and statutory note (COGSA)
- CMI status list: US ratification of the 1924 Hague Rules, with the US$500 understanding
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Prototype: this form is not connected yet and stores nothing.General information only, not legal or insurance advice. Limits depend on the contract, the documents issued, declared values, national law and the facts of each case. Check the primary sources and consult a qualified professional before relying on any figure.