Illustrative scenario: not a real case
Example 2: Damaged pharmaceuticals by air, before and after 28 December 2024
The scenario
A German exporter flies 350 kg (gross) of temperature-sensitive medicines worth €120,000 from Frankfurt to Toronto. Germany and Canada are both Montreal Convention parties. The cargo is left on the apron during a transfer and the temperature log shows an excursion; the consignee rejects the whole shipment. No value was declared on the air waybill ("NVD"). We compare the same loss in November 2024 and in February 2025.
The numbers
| Scenario | Regime | Limit (SDR) | Limit (EUR) | Cargo value | Uninsured gap | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carriage on 20 November 2024 (22 SDR/kg) | Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) | 7,700.00 | 9,281.73 | 120,000.00 | 110,718.27 | Open prefilled |
| Carriage on 10 February 2025 (26 SDR/kg) | Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99) | 9,100.00 | 10,969.32 | 120,000.00 | 109,030.68 | Open prefilled |
SDR rate used: 1 SDR = US$1.35646 (2026-10-16), €1.20542, C$1.92214 (IMF, build 2026-10-16). The calculator links use the latest daily rate, so figures may differ slightly.
Step by step
Carriage on 20 November 2024 (22 SDR/kg)
Regime: Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99). Both Germany and Canada are parties to the Montreal Convention 1999 (Art. 1(2)).
- Carriage date 2024-11-20 (before 2024-12-28): 22 SDR/kg
- 22 SDR × 350 kg = 7,700.00 SDR
- Limit = 7,700.00 SDR = US$10,444.74 / C$14,800.48 / €9,281.73
- Cargo value EUR 120,000.00 − limit EUR 9,281.73 = gap EUR 110,718.27 (7.7% covered)
Carriage on 10 February 2025 (26 SDR/kg)
Regime: Montreal Convention 1999 (MC99). Both Germany and Canada are parties to the Montreal Convention 1999 (Art. 1(2)).
- Carriage date 2025-02-10 (on/after 2024-12-28): 26 SDR/kg
- 26 SDR × 350 kg = 9,100.00 SDR
- Limit = 9,100.00 SDR = US$12,343.79 / C$17,491.47 / €10,969.32
- Cargo value EUR 120,000.00 − limit EUR 10,969.32 = gap EUR 109,030.68 (9.1% covered)
What it means
Before the revision the limit is 7,700.00 SDR (about €9,282); after it, 9,100.00 SDR (about €10,969). The increase adds roughly 18%, but the carrier still covers only about 9.1% of the value, leaving a gap of about €109,031. Because Montreal's cargo limit cannot be broken even for reckless conduct (Art. 22(5) applies only to paragraphs 1 and 2), only a special declaration of interest (Art. 22(3)) or insurance would close the gap.
Notice: a written complaint within 14 days of receipt for damage (Art. 31(2)). Time bar: 2 years from arrival (Art. 35). The SDR amount is converted at the date of judgment in court proceedings (Art. 23(1)); the euro figures here use today's rate.
Takeaways
- For high-value, low-weight air cargo, the per-kilo limit is small even after the 2024 increase.
- Send the 14-day written complaint even while you are still assessing the loss.
- Compare the carrier's charge for a declared value with an insurance premium.
Background: The Montreal Convention 2024 limit increase.
Try it with your own shipment
Run the numbers in the free calculator: applicable convention, carrier limit in USD/CAD/EUR, uninsured gap and deadlines.
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Prototype: this form is not connected yet and stores nothing.This is a fictional, simplified scenario for education. Real outcomes depend on the contract, the facts, the court and the evidence. 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.