CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ACT (C.O.G.S.A.)

1936 U.S. Statute that governs the acts that a carrier is responsible for and defines the terms used in shipping. The act provides that the ship owner?s liability will be limited to $500 per shipping package, and it stipulates a one-year time limit for filing suit against the carrier. This act automatically applies to international ocean movements but not to domestic ocean transits unless the carrier agrees to be bound by it.