Revision of Maritime Law of the People's Republic of China Released
ISSUING AUTHORITY:
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
DATE OF ISSUANCE:
October 28, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE:
May 1, 2026
The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, approved the newly revised Maritime Law at its 18th session. The revised law, which will officially take effect on May 1, 2026, consists of 16 chapters and 310 articles, tailored to align with the latest developments in global shipping and trade, draw on international maritime conventions, and balance the legitimate interests of all relevant parties.
Key adjustments include clarifying the rights and obligations of entities involved in maritime activities, as well as defining the legal status and application rules for electronic transport records—measures designed to stabilize market expectations and provide institutional support for the shipping industry’s digital transformation. To address new marine environmental protection demands, a dedicated chapter on liability for ship oil pollution damage has been added, further consolidating the legal framework for safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Additionally, the law improves provisions on the application of foreign-related laws and specifies state support for international maritime cooperation, aiming to boost the internationalization and high-quality development of China’s maritime transport sector. Overall, it plays a vital role in promoting high-quality shipping and trade growth, advancing high-level opening-up, and facilitating China’s efforts to become a maritime and shipping power.
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