The Universal Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in maritime trade, essential for shipments originating from, destined to, or transiting through Indian jurisdiction. This document type is governed by the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and related maritime legislation, while also conforming to international shipping practices. It is used whenever goods are transported by sea, providing legal evidence of receipt of goods by the carrier, detailing the terms of carriage, and serving as a transferable document of title. The Universal Bill of Lading must include specific information required by Indian law, such as carrier and shipper details, cargo description, vessel information, and applicable terms and conditions. It becomes particularly important in international trade finance, where it may be required for letter of credit transactions, customs clearance, and transfer of title to goods.
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1. Header Information: Bill of Lading number, date of issuance, and shipping line details
2. Shipper Details: Complete name and address of the shipper/exporter
3. Consignee Details: Complete name and address of the consignee/receiver, or 'To Order' designation
4. Notify Party: Details of the party to be notified upon arrival of the goods
5. Vessel and Voyage Details: Vessel name, voyage number, port of loading, port of discharge, and final destination
6. Cargo Details: Description of goods, number of packages, gross weight, measurement, marks and numbers
7. Container Details: Container numbers, seal numbers, and container type if applicable
8. Freight and Charges: Freight terms (prepaid or collect), charges, and payment details
9. Standard Terms and Conditions: General terms governing the carriage, incorporating Hague Rules and local law requirements
10. Carrier's Responsibility: Scope of carrier's liability, obligations, and limitations as per applicable laws
11. Claims and Jurisdiction: Procedures for filing claims and jurisdiction for dispute resolution
12. Signature Block: Space for carrier's or agent's signature and date of issue
1. Special Cargo Instructions: Used for dangerous goods, temperature-controlled cargo, or special handling requirements
2. Transhipment Clause: Include when cargo will be transferred between vessels during transit
3. Clean Bill of Lading Declaration: Specific statement when cargo is received in apparent good order and condition
4. Letter of Credit Reference: When shipment is under LC, including relevant LC numbers and terms
5. Insurance Details: When insurance is arranged by the carrier or specific insurance requirements exist
6. Special Customs Requirements: For shipments requiring specific customs documentation or procedures
7. Through Bill of Lading Terms: When cargo involves multiple modes of transport or carriers
1. Schedule A - Carrier's Standard Trading Conditions: Detailed terms and conditions of carriage
2. Schedule B - Dangerous Goods Declaration: Detailed information for hazardous cargo when applicable
3. Schedule C - Container Packing Certificate: Details of container stuffing and verification
4. Appendix 1 - Rate Schedule: Applicable freight rates and additional charges
5. Appendix 2 - Special Handling Instructions: Detailed instructions for special cargo types
6. Appendix 3 - Package List: Detailed listing of multiple packages when applicable
Authors
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Relevant Industries
Maritime and Shipping
International Trade
Logistics and Supply Chain
Manufacturing
Agricultural Export
Mining and Resources
Retail
Automotive
Electronics
Textiles
Chemical Industry
Food and Beverages
Pharmaceutical
Relevant Teams
Logistics
Export Operations
Import Operations
Documentation
Legal
Supply Chain
Commercial Operations
Trade Finance
Customs Compliance
Risk Management
Marine Operations
Customer Service
International Trade Operations
Relevant Roles
Shipping Manager
Export Manager
Import Coordinator
Logistics Director
Trade Finance Manager
Documentation Specialist
Customs Compliance Officer
Supply Chain Manager
Port Operations Manager
Freight Forwarding Executive
Trade Documentation Officer
Legal Counsel
Commercial Operations Manager
Marine Insurance Specialist
Global Trade Compliance Manager
Shipping Line Representative
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