The Navigation Act 1663 (also called the…
July 1663 CE
The Navigation Act 1663 (also called the Act for the Encouragement of Trade), passed by Parliament on July 27, requires all European goods bound for America (or other colonies) to be shipped through England or Wales first.
The goods are to be unloaded, inspected, paid duties, and reloaded in England.
The trade has to be carried in English bottoms (i.e., vessels), which includes those of its colonies.
Furthermore, imports of 'enumerated commodities' (such as sugar, rice, and tobacco) must be landed and pay tax before going on to other countries.
This increases the cost to the colonies, and increases the shipping time.
This Act entitles colonial shipping and seamen to enjoy the full benefits of the exclusive provisions.
There is no bar put in the way of colonists who might wish to trade in their own shipping with foreign plantations or European countries other than England, provided they do not violate the enumerated commodity clause.