Bill of Lading (B/L) & Airway Bill (AWB) in Export & Import

1️⃣ Bill of Lading (B/L) – For Sea Shipments 🚢

What is a Bill of Lading (B/L)?

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is a legal shipping document issued by the carrier (shipping company) that serves as:
✅ A receipt for the shipped goods.
✅ A contract between the exporter and the shipping company.
✅ A document of title that allows the consignee (importer) to claim the goods.

📌 Issued By: Shipping Line or Freight Forwarder
📌 Required For: Sea Freight (Container, Bulk, or Break Bulk Shipments)
📌 Purpose: Proof of shipment, ownership, and delivery of goods

Types of Bill of Lading

🔹 Straight B/L – Non-transferable, used when payment is made in advance.
🔹 Negotiable (Order) B/L – Transferable, allows goods to be sold while in transit.
🔹 Clean B/L – Indicates the goods were received in good condition.
🔹 Claused (Foul) B/L – Notes damages or defects in goods upon loading.
🔹 Shipped on Board B/L – Confirms goods have been loaded onto the vessel.
🔹 House B/L & Master B/L – House B/L is issued by a freight forwarder, while Master B/L is issued by the shipping line.

Key Details on a Bill of Lading

📜 Shipper (Exporter) Details – Name & address of the exporter.
📜 Consignee (Importer) Details – Name & address of the buyer/importer.
📜 Notify Party – Third party to be informed upon arrival.
📜 Vessel Name & Voyage Number – Ship details.
📜 Port of Loading & Port of Discharge – Shipment route details.
📜 Goods Description, Quantity & Packaging Details – Cargo information.
📜 Freight Terms – Prepaid (paid by exporter) or Collect (paid by importer).
📜 Shipping Line & B/L Number – Unique identification of the shipment.

2️⃣ Airway Bill (AWB) – For Air Shipments ✈️

What is an Airway Bill (AWB)?

An Airway Bill (AWB) is a transportation document issued by an airline or air cargo carrier that acts as:
✅ A receipt for goods accepted for transport.
✅ A contract between the shipper and the airline.
✅ A tracking document for the shipment’s status.

📌 Issued By: Airlines or Freight Forwarders
📌 Required For: Air Freight Shipments
📌 Purpose: Proof of shipment, tracking, and customs clearance

Types of Airway Bill (AWB)

🔹 Master Airway Bill (MAWB) – Issued by the airline to the freight forwarder.
🔹 House Airway Bill (HAWB) – Issued by the freight forwarder to the exporter.

Unlike a Bill of Lading, an Airway Bill is NON-NEGOTIABLE, meaning ownership of goods cannot be transferred during transit.

Key Details on an Airway Bill

📜 Shipper (Exporter) Details – Name & address of the sender.
📜 Consignee (Importer) Details – Name & address of the receiver.
📜 Airline Name & Flight Number – Transport details.
📜 Airport of Departure & Destination – Shipping route.
📜 Goods Description & Quantity – Product details.
📜 Freight Terms – Prepaid (paid by exporter) or Collect (paid by importer).
📜 AWB Number – Unique identification for tracking.

Difference Between B/L and AWB

Feature Bill of Lading (B/L) Airway Bill (AWB)

Mode of Transport Sea Freight 🚢 Air Freight ✈️

Transferable? Yes (Negotiable B/L) No (Non-negotiable)

Issued By Shipping Line Airline

Used For Bulk & Containerized Cargo Air Cargo

Time to Delivery Slower (Weeks) Faster (Days)

Ownership Transfer Possible (With Negotiable B/L) Not Possible

Importance of B/L & AWB in Import & Export

✅ Mandatory for International Shipments
✅ Required for Customs Clearance
✅ Acts as Proof of Ownership & Contract of Carriage
✅ Helps in Cargo Tracking & Delivery
✅ Ensures Smooth Trade Transactions