On 24-7-2025, the President gave assent to the Bills of Lading Act, 2025 which was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice. This Act repeals the Bills of Lading Act, 1856
This legislation was passed by the Parliament to modernize India’s maritime trade laws and enhance the country’s competitiveness in international shipping.
What is the Bill of Lading?
- It is a document issued by a carrier of goods to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment. It serves as evidence of a carriage contract.
- This bill is transferable by endorsement, transferring the ownership of the goods.
- The contractual rights and obligations under the bill of lading remain with the original shipper or owner protecting the original shipper’s rights under the contract.
- The Act does not affect:
- Any right of stoppage in transit;
- Any right to claim freight against original shipper or owner;
- any liability of the consignee or endorsee.
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Aims:
- to simplify the language and reorganize provisions without altering their underlying substance;
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empowers the Central Government to issue directions to facilitate the law’s implementation along with the inclusion of a standard repeal and saving clause, while eliminating the colonial legacy of the 1856 Act.
