The contiguous zone refers to an adjacent area to a country’s territorial sea where the country possesses authority to enforce specific laws pertaining to customs, taxes, health, and immigration.
The contiguous zone is an extension of a country’s territorial sea where it has limited powers to enforce customs, fiscal, sanitary, and immigration laws. For instance, the United States’ contiguous zone spans 24 nautical miles from its territorial sea, allowing for enforcement of laws related to customs, immigration, and sanitation. However, full sovereignty is not exercised in this area. Similarly, India’s contiguous zone also extends 24 nautical miles from its territorial sea, enabling enforcement of laws related to customs, immigration, and pollution control. This extension of jurisdiction beyond the territorial sea is significant as it allows countries to protect their interests and enforce their laws in areas of importance.
A contiguous zone is an area of water that extends beyond a country’s territorial sea, typically up to 24 nautical miles from the baseline. It is considered an extension of a country’s sovereignty, but with limited jurisdiction.
In a contiguous zone, a country has the right to enforce certain laws related to customs, immigration, fiscal matters, and pollution control. It allows a country to exercise control and prevent any activities that may harm its interests or security.
No, a country’s sovereignty in the contiguous zone is limited compared to its territorial sea. It does not have complete control over the zone, but it can enforce specific laws and regulations to protect its interests.
Yes, foreign vessels have the right of innocent passage through a country’s contiguous zone. However, the country can take necessary measures to prevent any activities that violate its laws or threaten its security.
Yes, a country has the right to conduct military exercises in its contiguous zone. However, it should not interfere with the innocent passage of foreign vessels or violate any international agreements.
Yes, a country can enforce its environmental laws in the contiguous zone to prevent pollution and protect its marine resources. It can take action against vessels that violate these laws, even if they are in transit.
Yes, a country has the right to board and inspect foreign vessels in its contiguous zone if there are reasonable grounds to suspect a violation of its laws. However, the boarding should be conducted in accordance with international law and established procedures.
Yes, a country can establish customs checkpoints in its contiguous zone to monitor and control the movement of goods and prevent smuggling. However, it should not unduly interfere with the innocent passage of foreign vessels.
No, a country cannot claim an exclusive economic zone in its contiguous zone. The contiguous zone is separate from the EEZ, which extends up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline.
Yes, if there are disputes related to a country’s contiguous zone, the parties involved can seek resolution through international arbitration or other peaceful means of dispute settlement.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/contiguous-zone/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Contiguous Zone. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/contiguous-zone/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Contiguous Zone. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/contiguous-zone/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Contiguous Zone. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/contiguous-zone/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts