Recovery & commercial
CMR transport disputes in Luxembourg
The CMR Convention (1956) governs the international carriage of goods by road: it frames the carrier's liability in the event of loss, damage or delay, caps the compensation and imposes strict claim and limitation periods (in principle one year). The firm defends shippers, freight forwarders and carriers.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
A CMR dispute is often won or lost on time limits and reservations: a late claim or poorly worded reservations can defeat any compensation.
Cerno Law Firm acts for shippers as well as for carriers and insurers, from the recording of the damage to the liability action.
The need
Goods lost, damaged or delivered late on an international shipment.
The CMR rules are technical and the time limits are short.
The risk
A claim out of time, insufficient reservations, the one-year limitation period exceeded, the compensation cap misjudged.
Without a swift reaction, the right to compensation lapses.
How we help
Analysis of CMR liability, formalisation of reservations and claims, compensation action or defence.
Coordination with insurers and experts.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Claim compensation for loss or damage.
- Challenge a carrier being held liable.
- Act against a delay in delivery.
- Secure reservations and preserve the time limits.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • CMR consignment note and delivery slips
- • Photos/reports of damage and reservations
- • Invoices and value of the goods
Deliverables
- • CMR liability analysis
- • Claim or defence
- • Compensation action where appropriate
Indicative timing
The CMR limitation period is in principle one year (three years in the event of wilful misconduct or equivalent gross negligence): you must act promptly.
Announced fees
Fixed advisory fee or per litigation phase.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the limitation period in CMR matters?
In principle one year from delivery (or from the agreed date), extended to three years in the event of fault deemed equivalent to wilful misconduct. Claims must also be raised promptly.
Is the carrier's liability capped?
Yes. The CMR caps compensation (in principle by kilogram of gross weight short), unless there is a declaration of value or gross negligence.
Should reservations be made on delivery?
Yes. Precise reservations made within the time limits are essential: failing that, the goods are presumed to have been received in good condition.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages
- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
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Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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