The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that its 2010 HNS Convention, which governs liability and compensation for damage caused by the sea carriage of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS), will officially enter into force on November 29, 2027. This convention aims to establish a comprehensive international regime for addressing incidents involving HNS, ensuring that victims receive adequate compensation and that the costs are borne by the producers and transporters of these substances.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, the implementation of the HNS Convention means increased scrutiny on the declaration, handling, and insurance of hazardous and noxious cargo. Shippers will need to ensure strict compliance with packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements for HNS. Forwarders should anticipate potential adjustments in insurance premiums for HNS shipments and may need to update their internal procedures and training to reflect the new liability framework. This will likely lead to a greater emphasis on risk management and due diligence when arranging transport for such materials, potentially affecting routing decisions and carrier selection based on their compliance readiness.
