Document background
The Seaway Bill Non Negotiable is a critical document in maritime trade under Indian jurisdiction, primarily used when there's no need for a negotiable instrument. This document type is particularly suitable for established trading relationships where the consignee is predetermined and trusted, eliminating the need for a transferable document. It is governed by the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and incorporates international maritime conventions. The Seaway Bill serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, receipt of goods by the carrier, and contains the terms of carriage. Unlike a Bill of Lading, its non-negotiable nature means it cannot be used to transfer title of goods, but it offers advantages in terms of faster processing and reduced documentation at the destination port, as no original document needs to be surrendered for cargo release.
