Document background
The Transport Bill of Lading Form is a fundamental document in international shipping and trade, particularly within the Belgian legal framework. This document is used when goods are transported by sea, serving three essential functions: acknowledging receipt of cargo, evidencing the contract of carriage, and acting as a document of title. It must comply with Belgian Maritime Code, EU regulations, and international conventions like the Hague-Visby Rules. The document includes crucial information such as parties involved, cargo details, vessel information, and terms of carriage. It's particularly important in international trade finance, as banks often require an original bill of lading as part of documentary credit transactions. The document enables the transfer of title to the goods during transit and provides evidence of the carrier's responsibility for the cargo.
