Taint of Odor

Taint of Odor is an additional risk in marine cargo transportation insurance that covers the loss of or reduction in the value of goods caused by their absorption of odors during transportation as a result of being stowed or coming into contact with other odorous goods (such as spices, chemicals, fishmeal, etc.), thereby rendering the goods unusable or less usable. This risk is usually attached to basic coverages (such as Free from Particular Average, With Particular Average, or All Risks) and cannot be insured separately. It is commonly used for goods that easily absorb odors, such as food, tea, tobacco, grain, and pharmaceuticals. Notes: When insuring, the nature of the goods and the stowage situation must be clearly specified, and the insurer may require a pre-shipment inspection report; if the goods themselves are odorous or improperly packaged, the risk may be excluded. Differences from other terms: Taint of Odor differs from "Risk of Contamination" and "Risk of Stain," which refer to goods being mixed with impurities or contaminated, whereas Taint of Odor specifically refers to odor absorption; it also differs from "All Risks," which, although covering taint of odor, has a higher premium rate, so if only this risk is needed, it can be attached separately. Foreign trade practitioners should clearly specify insurance liability in the contract to avoid bearing losses due to failure to insure.