Cargo arrived damaged, who pays and how long do I have to claim?

The carrier's liability for cargo carried by sea to or from New Zealand is generally governed by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1994, which gives effect to the Hague-Visby Rules. The carrier is responsible for loss or damage during the carriage unless it can rely on one of the listed exceptions, and its liability is normally limited to a set amount per package or per kilogram unless the value was declared in the bill of lading. The critical time limit is that a claim must generally be commenced within one year of delivery, or the date it should have been delivered. Written notice of loss or damage should be given at or soon after delivery. Take photographs, keep the bill of lading and survey reports, and notify your cargo insurer immediately.