Sale and Carriage of Goods

Sale of Goods Act 1979

The primary piece of legislation governing the sale of goods in the UK is the Sale of Goods Act 1979 (SGA). The SGA sets out a number of rules that apply to all contracts for the sale of goods, including rules relating to the passing of property and risk, the quality of goods, and the remedies available to buyers in the event of a breach of contract.

One of the key provisions of the SGA is the implied term that goods sold by a trader are of satisfactory quality. This means that the goods must be of a standard that a reasonable person would regard as satisfactory, taking into account any description of the goods, their price, and any other relevant circumstances. If the goods are not of satisfactory quality, the buyer has a number of remedies available, including the right to reject the goods, the right to claim damages, and the right to a repair or replacement.

Carriage of Goods

The carriage of goods is the process of transporting goods from one place to another. This can involve a variety of different modes of transport, including road, rail, sea, and air. The carriage of goods is governed by a number of laws and regulations, including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1971, the Carriage of Goods by Road Act 1965, and the Warsaw Convention.

One of the key issues in the carriage of goods is the issue of liability. Under the common law, the carrier of goods is generally liable for any loss or damage to the goods that occurs during transit. However, this liability can be limited by contract, and carriers often limit their liability by including clauses in their contracts that exclude or limit their liability for certain types of loss or damage.

In addition to liability, the carriage of goods also raises a number of other legal issues, including issues relating to documentation, insurance, and customs. For example, when goods are transported across international borders, they may be subject to customs duties and other taxes, and the carrier may be required to provide documentation to prove that the goods have been properly declared and accounted for.

How Jeremy Gordon can help

Businesses that engage in the sale and carriage of goods need to be aware of the legal rules and regulations that apply to these activities, and they need to ensure that they are in compliance with these rules and regulations at all times. Failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in legal liability, financial penalties, and damage to a business’s reputation and credibility. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to seek legal advice and guidance when engaging in these activities, in order to ensure that they are operating in a lawful and responsible manner.