Ningbo Maritime Court issues landmark report on cross-border e-commerce disputes

The Ningbo Maritime Court in Zhejiang province released a Chinese-English report on Tuesday detailing its recent handling of cross-border e-commerce logistics disputes, marking the first such report by a maritime court in China. The report highlights the court's commitment to supporting high-quality cross-border e-commerce and modern logistics through legal oversight.

The report underscores the rise of cross-border e-commerce as a significant driver of China's foreign trade, fueled by advances in digital technology. As Chinese goods and brands increasingly enter global markets through this trade model, a growing number of related maritime disputes have emerged, prompting a need for legal clarity and guidance.

According to the report, cases handled by the court involving cross-border e-commerce logistics have surged from 22 in 2021 to 163 in 2023, with 121 cases recorded in the first half of this year. The disputes involve various logistics issues, including freight charges, cargo damages, terminal fees, customs declaration fees, and storage costs. The majority of cases pertain to exports, with many involving US ports.

In publishing the report, the court seeks to promote legal awareness within the logistics industry, offer risk mitigation guidance, and encourage stable cross-border e-commerce growth in Zhejiang. The report includes summaries of eight concluded cases, serving as references for resolving similar disputes in the sector.