-Simplifying Analysis of Liability Hotspots in Recent (Draft) CMC Amendments

On June 4, 2025, the "International Freight Forwarder and NVOCC Risk Management & Loss Prevention Seminar"，co-hosted by TT Club (Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association) and Qingdao Logistics Network, was successfully held at the Shangri-La Hotel Qingdao.

The Seminar aimed to explore effective risk mitigation and loss prevention strategies. Over a hundred senior executives, risk management professionals, and legal experts from freight forwarding companies and insurance institutions gathered for in-depth discussions.

At the invitation of TT Club, HiHonor partner Wenjuan LI attended the Seminar and delivered a keynote speech titled Key Issues for Freight Forwarders under the Draft Revised Maritime Code.

Lawyer Li provided an update on the progress of China Maritime Code (Draft) amendments and highlighted critical changes in the Draft revision (released on November 8, 2024) concerning chapters on contracts of carriage of goods by sea, time bar, and applicable laws—particularly those impacting NVOCCs.  She emphasized that the revised provisions strengthen carrier’s liabilities, reminding NVOCCs to pay close attention to new Draft on the rights and obligations of actual shippers, adjustments to the carrier’s liability for cargo damages, the exercise of cargo lien rights, new Draft on electronic bills of lading, and modifications to the statutory time bar, and to seek professional guidance for compliance.

Lawyer Li’s presentation on legal risk issues attached widespread concern from the audience in particular the freight forwarder participants raised good questions, which sparked enthusiastic engagement and vibrant discussions.

The Seminar served as a high-quality platform for industry exchange. HiHonor Law Firm remains dedicated to supporting shipping and logistics enterprises in optimizing their risk management systems within the legal framework, thereby contributing to the industry's standardized development—all while striving to play its part from a legal perspective.