Document background
The Commercial Bill of Lading is fundamental to international trade operations under Australian jurisdiction. It is required whenever goods are transported by sea, serving as a crucial document that provides evidence of the contract of carriage, proves ownership of the goods, and enables their transfer during transit. The document must comply with the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1991 and other relevant Australian legislation, while also adhering to international shipping conventions. It includes essential information such as the identity of the carrier and shipper, description of goods, vessel details, ports of loading and discharge, and terms of carriage. The Commercial Bill of Lading is particularly important in international trade finance, as banks often require it as part of documentary credit transactions.
