Warning: This Section is provided for general information purposes only and any advice or information provided is to be used as a guide only and not as specific legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate and free from errors and omissions, the ESS Group and/or the DDG does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and, accordingly, does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information.

Approximately 80% of goods traded internationally are transported by sea. The negotiable Bill of Lading (B/L) is a key document in almost all international trade transactions where the cargo is intended to be sold between trading partners during the course of its transportation by sea.

As a result, a huge amount has been written by legal practitioners and operators about the purpose and function of a B/L. This guide tries to distil some of what has been written into an easily digestible source material to provide a good starting point for anyone interested in the complex world of bills of lading. The guide is based on English law and is intended to continuously evolve to address those aspects of a bill of lading which are of interest to its readers. Any feedback would be gratefully received at legal@essdocs.com.