Glossary
Inherent Vice
Inherent vice is an exclusion found in most cargo insurance policies to account for a defect or inherent characteristic in the nature of the product.
Inherent Vice
What is Inherent Vice?
Inherent vice refers to the inherent properties of the goods being transported that make them prone to damage or deterioration. This can include perishable goods, such as food, that have a short shelf life and are prone to spoilage if not properly refrigerated or preserved. Inherent vice can also refer to goods that are sensitive to temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions, such as electronic equipment or pharmaceuticals, which may be damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture. Inherent vice can also apply to goods that are naturally fragile, such as glass or ceramics, which may be easily broken if not handled with care. Transportation companies may not be liable for damage to cargo that arises from the cargo’s inherent vices.
To determine if your good has a form of inherent vice, consider the following examples:
Short-Lived: Sealed plastic bottles can incur damage because of the pressure changes from climbing and descending through altitude, either when shipping by air or over land. This is due to an inherent quality of the bottle and explains why our water bottles tend to twist or bend out of normal shape when we are flying.
Structural Nature: The structural nature of an item with flawed design usually refers to its material. For example, the acidic chemicals in leather cause the item to tarnish or corrode when in contact with metal. This is unavoidable due to the inherent quality and nature of the product’s material.
History or Function: Iron and metals are known to rust or corrode when exposed to humidity. In the case of any machinery made of iron or metal, for example, a claim for rust would be denied if the shipper doesn’t protect the equipment.
In the case of inherent vice, it is necessary for the shipper to know their product and ensure that it is packaged properly for the mode of transport or conditions that it may be exposed to along its journey. A claim may be denied either due to inherent vice or insufficient packaging, which are both coverage exclusions included in most cargo insurance policies.
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