Document background
The Direct Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in maritime trade, particularly crucial in Qatar's growing role as a regional and global trading hub. This document is used when goods are shipped directly from the supplier to the final consignee without intermediary consignment. Under Qatar's legal framework, particularly Maritime Law No. 15 of 1980, the Direct Bill of Lading serves three essential functions: it acts as a receipt confirming the carrier's acceptance of goods, evidences the contract of carriage, and serves as a document of title to the goods. It is commonly used in both bulk and containerized shipments and is particularly important in documentary credit transactions. The document must comply with both Qatar's domestic legislation and international maritime conventions, making it a crucial tool in international trade operations through Qatari ports.
