Document background
The Shipping Bill of Lading is an essential document in maritime trade and transport, particularly crucial in the Philippine context given the country's archipelagic nature and extensive maritime commerce. It is required whenever goods are transported by sea, whether for domestic or international trade. The document serves multiple purposes: it acknowledges receipt of cargo by the carrier, evidences the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and functions as a document of title enabling the transfer of ownership of goods in transit. Subject to Philippine maritime laws and regulations, including the Civil Code of the Philippines and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, as well as international conventions, the Bill of Lading must contain specific information about the parties involved, the goods being shipped, the vessel, ports of loading and discharge, and applicable terms and conditions. It is particularly important in international trade transactions involving letters of credit and customs clearance procedures.
