Know the Mandatory Time Limits for Filing Claims Against Carriers & Authorities in India
When goods are transported by sea, port, rail, road, air or through multimodal logistics, every carrier has a legally defined time limit for reporting loss or damage and for initiating a legal claim.
Missing these timelines may result in claim rejection or loss of recovery rights.
Below is a simple, easy-to-understand guide for all logistics stakeholders — Importers, Exporters, Shipping Lines, CHAs, Transporters, MTOs, Freight Forwarders, and Insurance Policyholders.
Carrier / Authority | Claim Intimation (Notice Period) | Legal Suit Time Limit | Applicable Law / Convention |
Shipping Lines (Sea Carriers) | Within 3 days of delivery | 1 year from delivery date / expected delivery | Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 (Hague Rules) |
Major Ports (Port Trusts) | Within 15 days of discharge | 6 months from the date of cause | Indian Ports Act, 1908; Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 |
Customs Department | Immediately upon detection of damage | 1 year from date of decision/action | Customs Act, 1962 |
Multimodal Transport Operators (MTOs) | Within 3 days of delivery | 9 months from delivery / expected delivery | Multimodal Transportation of Goods Act, 1993 |
Indian Railways | Within 6 months from date of booking | 3 years from date of booking | Railways Act, 1989; Limitation Act, 1963 |
Road Transport – Motor Lorries | Within a reasonable time after delivery | 1 year from delivery / expected delivery | Carriers Act, 1865 |
Airlines (Air Cargo) | 7 days for damage, 14 days for loss | 2 years from arrival or scheduled arrival | Carriage by Air Act, 1972 (Warsaw / Montreal Conventions) |
Why These Timelines Are Important
- They determine whether your claim is legally valid.
- Carriers are bound by strict international and Indian regulations.
- Insurance companies also rely on these limits for subrogation and recoveries.
- Late intimation can lead to claim complications or denial.
Practical Guidance for Businesses
- Always inspect the goods immediately at the time of delivery.
Even minor damages should be recorded. - Issue written notice (email or letter) to the carrier within the stipulated time.
Attach:
Photos
Delivery receipt remarks
Survey report (if available) - Maintain all transport documents safely, such as:
Bill of Lading
Delivery Order
LR Copy / Railway Receipt
Air Waybill
E-Way Bill / Gate Pass - If compensation is not received, file the legal claim before the limitation period expires.
- For insured shipments, inform your insurer immediately.
Timely survey and documentation help in faster settlement.
