Document background
The Standard Bill of Lading Form is a fundamental document in maritime trade, particularly crucial in the Indian shipping and international trade context. It is required whenever goods are transported by sea, serving as a legally binding document between the carrier and shipper. The document is governed primarily by the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, and the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, along with other relevant maritime legislation. It must be used for all seaborne cargo shipments, containing essential information about the goods being transported, shipping parties, vessel details, and terms of carriage. The Standard Bill of Lading Form is particularly important as it serves three critical functions: a receipt confirming cargo loading, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title enabling the transfer of ownership during transit.
