What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?
The Bill of Lading (B/L) is arguably the most important document in international trade and shipping. It serves three distinct legal functions simultaneously: a receipt for the cargo, a contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and a document of title that can be transferred to transfer ownership of the goods.
Types of Bill of Lading
- Original B/L — a negotiable document of title, usually issued in sets of 3 originals
- Telex Release — electronic surrender replacing original B/L
- Sea Waybill — non-negotiable, cargo released to named consignee only
- House B/L — issued by a freight forwarder (NVOCC)
- Master B/L — issued by the shipping line to the NVOCC
B/L in UAE Customs
UAE Customs (Federal Customs Authority) requires the original B/L or its equivalent for cargo clearance at UAE ports. Dubai Customs operates through the Mirsal 2 system, which integrates B/L data from shipping lines.
