The International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) approved an updated version of the CargoDocs™ Users Agreement (DSUA) this week. A copy of the updated agreement (version 2013.1) has already been circulated to existing Users, and will become effective as of 18 March 2013.

The updates to the DSUA are principally intended to allow the use of electronic Seawaybills without the need to Produce (aka surrender) the original back to the carrier to receive the goods at the discharge port. This change was made tso better reflect current paper processes of existing CargoDocs users.

In addition, the new version incorporates provisions for delivery orders, primarily for use in the liner trade.

Following the IG's approval, standard P&I risks associated with the carriage of cargo under an electronic negotiable or non-negotiable bill of lading, an electronic waybill or an electronic delivery order using CargoDocs™ fall within members’ standard terms of cover. The 13 Clubs in the International Group will be issuing Circulars in due course confirming this change, and we will post links to these latest circulars on the essDOCS website.

This legal update is part of the continuing rollout of CargoDocs across the broader shipping markets, as essDOCS customers expand into electronic liner and forwarder eB/Ls.

For more information on this update please contact legal@essdocs.com or call Marina Comninos, essDOCS General Counsel on +44 20 3102 6600.