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What is a claused bill of lading: All you need to know about its meaning and format
A claused bill of lading states that the goods delivered were not as per the initial contract between the parties involved. Learn more about its process and example in this blog.
In the process of exports, Bill of Lading (BOL) is an important legal document that details the journey of a particular shipment. There are several types of bills of lading, which are categorized according to its uses. A claused bill of lading is one that includes explicit terms and conditions for the shipment of commodities.
When a Bill of Lading has clauses, it indicates that there was either a shortage or damage to the shipped goods. If the cargo documented by the Bill of Lading is ‘claused’, it signifies that the goods were not delivered as per the initial contract1.
When a Bill of Lading has clauses, it indicates that there was either a shortage or damage to the shipped goods. If the cargo documented by the Bill of Lading is ‘claused’, it signifies that the goods were not delivered as per the initial contract1.
How does a claused bill of lading work?
A bill of lading is a legal document which is used to track the shipment, and when it is claused, it signifies that whatever was promised was not delivered by the legal bill of lading. In such a scenario, for these specific kinds of bills of lading, a Claused bill of lading is issued, which shows a shortfall or mentions the damages in the delivered goods1.
How to avoid being issued a claused bill of lading?
It is the responsibility of the exporter to plan shipment and logistics in a manner that does not impact the delivery conditions, thus, avoiding a Claused Bill of Lading. Let’s consider this example to better understand the concept. If due to a certain situation, an exporter can only ship 500 goods this month despite the BOL requiring the delivery of 1,000 goods, it is best for the exporter to inform the importer before shipment. Then, when the buyer receives the items, there will not be any disagreements in this regard. To avoid risk of damage or loss, it is important for the exporter to work with reputable shipping companies2.
Format of a claused bill of lading
The format of a Bill of Lading and a Claused Bill of Lading is almost the same. The only difference is, in a Claused Bill of Lading, certain clauses are added to cover the various situations that may occur during shipping and to denote that the delivered goods either have not all arrived or have arrived damaged in some way.
Clauses of a claused bill of lading
A claused bill of lading denotes certain discrepancies in the quantity and quality of the shipped goods. It also shows apparent damages in the packaging of goods. Certain clauses are added by the carrier to denote the condition of the damaged goods2.
Specific clauses
Cargo wet, cargo rotting, some damaged packages
Broad clauses
Condition unknown, quality unknown
The addition of clauses is an acceptable practice as long as the booking party and the carrier agree on the claused bill of lading.
The addition of clauses is an acceptable practice as long as the booking party and the carrier agree on the claused bill of lading.
Difference between Bill of Lading and Claused Bill of Lading
In all export logistic processes, a Bill of Lading is issued – it is a contract or proof of shipment including details of the parties involved and terms and conditions. On the other hand, a Claused Bill of Lading is issued by the importer or receiver when there is damage or loss of goods that have been delivered. A BOL is also used by the shipping firm at the time of delivery, which is signed off by the receiver upon delivery.
Thus, it is important for an exporter to understand logistics and plan shipment according to the goods being sold. With e-commerce exports, obtaining necessary documents, licenses and shipping goods has become simpler with support at every step.
Thus, it is important for an exporter to understand logistics and plan shipment according to the goods being sold. With e-commerce exports, obtaining necessary documents, licenses and shipping goods has become simpler with support at every step.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy exports with support at every step
As an e-commerce exports program, Amazon Global Selling enables Indian sellers and MSMEs to take their products from India to international marketplaces across 200+ countries and territories. Without having to set up a physical store or warehouse abroad, Amazon’s simple registration process and hassle-free logistic support helps you reach global customers in a seamless manner. Warehousing, compliance, shipping, delivery and returns – Amazon Global Selling assists you in every step to help you run a successful export business.
More blogs on bills of lading
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Clean Bill of Lading and a Claused Bill of Lading?
Standard shipped-on-board notation appears on a Clean Bill of Lading (BOL). A Claused bill of lading is a type of bill of lading that shows that the bill of lading did not provide delivery as stated in the contract.
Is a Claused Bill of Lading accepted by the bank of LC negotiation?
No, a bank does not accept a Bill of Lading with clauses for the purposes of negotiating or discounting a Letter of Credit unless the provisions have been removed.
What is the difference between a claused, unclean, dirty, and foul Bill of Lading?
There is no difference. These are different names for a claused Bill of Lading.
Is a claused Bill of Lading preferred for shipment?
No. A Clean Bill of Lading is preferred for shipment. When a BOL is not as per the receiver’s expectations, like when the cargo is damaged or missing in quantity, a Claused BOL is issued. This can result in a financial loss for the exporter and it is primarily the exporter's responsibility to prevent a claused bill of lading.
Published on October 29, 2022.
Sources:
1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/claused-bill-of-lading.asp
2. https://maxfreights.com/what-is-a-claused-bill-of-lading/
3. https://www.globalnegotiator.com/international-trade/dictionary/claused-bill-lading/
4. https://howtoexportimport.com/Unclean-Bill-of-Lading-Claused-bill-of-lading-foul-49.aspx
Sources:
1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/claused-bill-of-lading.asp
2. https://maxfreights.com/what-is-a-claused-bill-of-lading/
3. https://www.globalnegotiator.com/international-trade/dictionary/claused-bill-lading/
4. https://howtoexportimport.com/Unclean-Bill-of-Lading-Claused-bill-of-lading-foul-49.aspx
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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
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