Update on the revised PRC Maritime Code (effective 1 May 2026)

23 April 2026

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress has revised the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Maritime Code, which will take effect on 1 May 2026. The revision introduces certain updates to the legal framework governing international sea carriage where a Chinese port is involved.

Impact to our customers

For customers whose supply chains include Chinese ports, this development may be relevant to your internal legal and contract reviews. Specifically, the revision addresses matters such as governing law application, electronic transport records, and certain aspects of carrier and shipper obligations.

Our advice and commitment to you

Toll's service level and commitment to our customers remain unchanged. We continue to deliver on our promise to move your business forward with reliability and care.

We recommend that customers consult their own legal advisors to assess whether any adjustments to their commercial contracts or standard trading terms are appropriate for their specific circumstances.

As always, Toll will continue to perform our services in accordance with our standard trading conditions and bill of lading terms, applying the same operational excellence and customer focus that define our brand.

Official information

For the authoritative text of the revised Maritime Code and official commentary, please refer to the official release by the National People's Congress: 新修订的海商法自2026年5月1日起施行_中国人大网

Contact point

Should you have any operational questions regarding your shipments with Toll, please contact your usual Toll representative.

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Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and shall in no way be construed as legal advice. The matters addressed herein may be subject to further interpretation and rules that may be issued by regulatory authorities, changes to applicable law, and common law interpretation. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information or opinions contained herein. Reliance on this material is at the user’s own risk. None of Toll nor any of its affiliates, advisors or representatives shall have any liability whatsoever (in negligence or otherwise) for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this material or its contents. This material shall not be reproduced, retransmitted or further distributed to any other person or entity, in whole or in part, for any purpose, except with prior written consent of Toll.