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Import Bill Of Lading for the United States

Import Bill Of Lading Template for United States

An Import Bill of Lading is a legally binding document issued by a carrier to a shipper, serving as a receipt for goods, a contract for their carriage, and a document of title. Under U.S. jurisdiction, it is governed primarily by the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and related federal regulations. This document enables the transfer of ownership of goods during transit and is crucial for international trade compliance, customs clearance, and securing payment through banking channels.

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What is a Import Bill Of Lading?

The Import Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international trade, particularly for shipments entering the United States. It serves three essential functions: evidence of contract of carriage, receipt for goods, and document of title. This document is required for all ocean freight imports into the U.S. and must comply with COGSA, CBP regulations, and other federal requirements. The Import Bill of Lading includes crucial information such as parties involved, cargo details, ports of loading and discharge, and vessel information, enabling smooth customs clearance and transfer of ownership.

What sections should be included in a Import Bill Of Lading?

1. Bill of Lading Number: Unique identifier for the shipment and tracking purposes

2. Shipper/Exporter: Complete details of the sending party including name, address, and contact information

3. Consignee: Complete details of the receiving party including name, address, and contact information

4. Notify Party: Party to be notified upon arrival of the shipment, including contact details

5. Vessel/Voyage: Vessel name and voyage number for the shipment

6. Port of Loading: Origin port details including location and date

7. Port of Discharge: Destination port details including location and estimated arrival date

8. Cargo Description: Detailed description of goods being shipped including quantity, weight, and measurements

What sections are optional to include in a Import Bill Of Lading?

1. Freight and Charges: Details of shipping costs, including prepaid or collect status, and additional fees

2. Special Instructions: Specific handling or delivery instructions for special cargo requirements

3. On-Carriage: Details of inland transportation arrangements beyond the port of discharge

What schedules should be included in a Import Bill Of Lading?

1. Container List: Detailed list of containers with seal numbers, contents, and specifications

2. Dangerous Goods Declaration: Detailed declaration for hazardous materials including classification and handling requirements

3. Packing List: Detailed inventory of shipped items including individual package contents

4. Terms and Conditions: Standard terms and conditions of carriage as per applicable laws and regulations

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Ƶ

Document Type

Bill of Lading

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions







































Clauses






























Industries

COGSA 1936: Carriage of Goods by Sea Act - Primary US federal law governing rights and responsibilities between shippers and ocean carriers in international trade

Harter Act 1893: US federal law that regulates maritime bills of lading and liability of vessel owners and cargo owners in domestic and international shipping

Pomerene Act 1916: Federal Bills of Lading Act that governs the negotiability and liability aspects of bills of lading in international trade

Ocean Shipping Reform Act: Modern legislation that updates shipping regulations and addresses current supply chain and port congestion challenges

Shipping Act 1984: Federal maritime law governing ocean shipping practices, carrier agreements, and rate regulations

The Hague Rules: International convention establishing uniform rules for bills of lading in international trade

The Hague-Visby Rules: Updated version of Hague Rules (though US is not a signatory, may apply depending on port of origin)

Hamburg Rules: UN Convention on the Carriage of Goods by Sea (US not a signatory but relevant for international trade)

CBP Regulations: U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements for import documentation and customs clearance

FMC Regulations: Federal Maritime Commission rules governing ocean transportation intermediaries and carrier practices

IMO Requirements: International Maritime Organization standards for maritime safety and security

UCC Article 7: Uniform Commercial Code provisions governing documents of title, including bills of lading

24-Hour Advance Manifest Rule: Security requirement mandating submission of cargo information 24 hours before vessel loading

ISF Requirements: Importer Security Filing rules requiring advance submission of cargo information for risk assessment

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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