Bill of Lading Format for Export

BILL OF LADING (INTERNATIONAL EXPORT)

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 1.0
• Jurisdiction: [Governing Law/Country]
• Scope: International Maritime/Air/Land Carriage

1. OFFICIAL NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

This Bill of Lading (B/L) serves as: (i) a receipt for the Goods; (ii) a document of title; and (iii) evidence of the contract of carriage. This document is governed by the Hague-Visby Rules or the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) as applicable to the jurisdiction of the Port of Loading. The Carrier’s liability is strictly limited as per the terms and conditions set forth herein. Consult legal counsel for specific maritime insurance requirements and customs compliance.

2. IDENTIFICATION OF PARTIES

• Carrier: [Company Name], [Full Address], [Contact Details]
• Shipper: [Full Legal Name], [Full Address], [Tax ID/EORI Number]
• Consignee: [Full Legal Name], [Full Address], [Contact Details]
• Notify Party: [Full Legal Name], [Full Address], [Contact Details]

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

1. Contract of Carriage: The Carrier agrees to transport the goods described herein from the Port of Loading: [Location] to the Port of Discharge: [Location] via Vessel/Flight No: [Name/Number].
2. Description of Goods:
   • Marks/Numbers: [Insert IDs]
   • No. of Packages: [Insert Count]
   • Description: [Detailed Commodity Description]
   • Gross Weight (kg): [Insert Weight]
   • Measurement (CBM): [Insert Volume]
3. Freight & Charges: Freight is [Prepaid / Collect]. Total amount: [Currency/Amount]. Payment terms: [Due Date/Conditions].
4. Liability Limitation: Carrier’s liability for loss or damage to goods shall not exceed [Amount, e.g., $500 per package] unless a higher value is declared in writing by the Shipper and supplementary freight is paid.
5. Force Majeure: Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform due to acts of God, war, hostilities, riots, strikes, or governmental interference.
6. Governing Law & Venue: This contract is governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction]. Disputes shall be resolved through [Arbitration/Court Name].

4. EXECUTION & SIGNATURE BLOCK

On behalf of the Carrier: Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [Title] Date: [Date]

On behalf of the Shipper (Acceptance of Terms): Signature: __________________________ Printed Name: [Name] Title: [Title] Date: [Date]

5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

• Step 1: Verification: Ensure the "Description of Goods" matches the Commercial Invoice and Packing List exactly to prevent customs holds.
• Step 2: Issuance: Issue three (3) original signed copies. One copy must be surrendered to the Carrier at the destination to release the cargo (for Negotiable B/L).
• Step 3: Endorsement: If the B/L is negotiable (To Order), the Shipper must endorse the back of the document to transfer title to the Consignee.
• Step 4: Filing: Retain a digital scan of the executed B/L for at least seven (7) years to satisfy international trade audit requirements.
• Step 5: Enforcement: In the event of non-payment or cargo damage, provide written notice of claim to the Carrier within three (3) days of delivery (or as defined by the governing carriage treaty).