The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress passed the newly revised Maritime Code of the People’s Republic of China on October 28, which is set to take effect on May 1, 2026.

This revision represents a significant step in adapting to new developments in shipping and trade and building a legal framework for high-standard opening up. The updated code, comprising 16 chapters and 310 articles, introduces comprehensive enhancements across key areas. It incorporates the latest international maritime conventions and aims to balance the interests of various stakeholders, providing a solid legal foundation for high-quality development in China’s shipping and trade sectors.

The new code significantly advances digitalization and environmental sustainability in shipping. It grants legal status to electronic transport records, facilitating paperless documentation. A dedicated chapter on “ship-sourced oil pollution damage liability” has been added to improve the marine ecological protection system and strengthen requirements for ship-sourced pollution prevention.

Furthermore, the revised code optimizes the allocation of rights and obligations among parties to stabilize market expectations. It also explicitly states national support for international cooperation in maritime affairs, signaling a firmer stride in China’s journey toward becoming a major maritime and shipping power.

                                                                                                                                                                  Source: xinhuanet.com