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What is a switch bill of lading? Know features, uses, process, benefits, and examples
A Switch Bill of Lading is issued in place of the original bill. Learn in this blog about its purpose, benefits, usage, and the standard format followed.
Sometimes, a shipment is already on the way when changes in detail are requested. The goods are already in transit, but the paperwork needs to be updated to match the request. This is where a switch bill of lading can be valuable for exporters. It lets you issue a new bill with updated information while keeping the shipment on track.
In this blog, learn what is a switch bill of lading, its features, uses, and how to get it as an Indian exporter. Knowing how and when to use a switch bill of lading can help exporters like you avoid shipment delays and make the export process more efficient.
In this blog, learn what is a switch bill of lading, its features, uses, and how to get it as an Indian exporter. Knowing how and when to use a switch bill of lading can help exporters like you avoid shipment delays and make the export process more efficient.
What is a switch bill of lading?
Switch bills are a second set of bills used to replace the shipper and consignee details from the original bill of lading. A switch bill is issued to replace the original bill of lading that is given at the time of shipment. This may be because the first bill of lading has become unsuitable, and the bill needs to be reissued to reflect changes in the deal or conditions.1
Why is a switch bill of lading issued?
Switch bills are issued for several commercial and logistical reasons, including:
● Maintaining confidentiality between the buyer and the original supplier.
● Changing the port of discharge to match evolving buyer requirements.
● Updating cargo details due to changes in weight, quantity, or packaging after the original bill was issued.
● Aligning documents with letters of credit or payment terms.
● Complying with import regulations in the destination country.2
Features of a switch bill of lading
Some key features of a switch bill of lading are:
● Replacing the original document:
A switch bill of lading replaces the original bill only after the original is surrendered and canceled, ensuring a single valid set of documents to prevent fraud.
● Being issued by the carrier:
It can only be issued by the same carrier or their authorized agent who created the original bill, preserving the legal shipping contract.
● Maintaining cargo details:
Physical shipment details like quantity, weight, volume, and condition must match the original document and cannot be changed. Therefore, it acts as a receipt to verify the condition of the cargo.
● Updating commercial details:
Commercial details such as shipper’s name, consignee’s information, or port of discharge, can be updated to accurately reflect the trade deal.
● Concealing original details:
The new bill appears standalone, without showing any link to the original, helping conceal supplier identity in certain trade scenarios.3
Process to issue a switch bill of lading
The switch bill of lading procedure generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Request submission
The controlling party, such as the shipper or intermediary, formally requests the carrier to issue a switch bill, providing valid reasons and specifying the changes required.
Step 2: Original bill surrender
All originals of the first bill of lading must be returned to the carrier before any changes are made. This prevents duplicate sets from circulating.
Step 3: Document verification
The carrier reviews the requested changes to ensure they comply with maritime laws, trade regulations, and company policies.
Step 4: Issuance of new bill
The new bill, reflecting the approved changes, is issued and dated after the original bill of lading.
Step 5: Distribution
The switch bill is sent to the intended parties, often the consignee, financial institutions, or customs authorities.4
Contents in a switch bill of lading
Some of the components included in a switch bill of lading are:
● Details of the exporter and the importer.
● Booking number and Master Bill of Lading number and its issue date.
● NRA (Negotiable Rate Arrangement) number, which is a document exchanged between the shipping and the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) to ensure that all the rates are regulated and accepted before shipping.
● Details of the place of pickup and delivery.
● Details of the port of loading and unloading.
● Vessel and voyage details.5
● Booking number and Master Bill of Lading number and its issue date.
● NRA (Negotiable Rate Arrangement) number, which is a document exchanged between the shipping and the Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) to ensure that all the rates are regulated and accepted before shipping.
● Details of the place of pickup and delivery.
● Details of the port of loading and unloading.
● Vessel and voyage details.5
Details that can be changed in a switch bill of lading
The shipper, consignee, and notification information can be changed in a switch bill of lading. If the new information is accurate and factual and has no impact on transportation and delivery, additional elements/information can also be altered:
● Products as described by the shipper.
● Ship’s name (if relevant).
● Location and date of issuing (if different from those of shipment).
● Shipment and discharge port.6
● Ship’s name (if relevant).
● Location and date of issuing (if different from those of shipment).
● Shipment and discharge port.6
Details that cannot be changed in the switch bill of lading
The following details cannot be changed in the switch bill of lading:
● Site and date of shipment, as altering these could have an impact on the conditions of delivery according to the sales contract information of the cargo, including the quantity, size, weight, and measurement of the parcels.
● If there is any information regarding hazardous cargo and in that case keep in mind that the cargo is already on board based on the original hazardous cargo declaration.
● Refer cargo information, such as temperature and humidity settings, etc. Note that the cargo is already on board based on the original cargo declaration.
● Information regarding OOG Cargo, if any, and keep in mind that cargo is already on board based on the initial OOG details stated, including lost slots computation, etc.
● Original clauses on the bill of lading.7
Sample format of switch bill of lading
Example of switch bill of lading
Consider an Indian trader (Company A) who purchases textiles from a manufacturer in Surat and sells them to a UAE-based buyer. The trader wants to mask the original supplier’s identity for commercial confidentiality. Once the textiles are shipped, the carrier issues the original bill of lading with the manufacturer named as the shipper. While goods are in transit, Company A sells the goods to the buyer in UAE. The trader then requests a switch bill of lading listing itself as the shipper, and the UAE buyer as the consignee. The carrier cancels the original, issues the switch bill of lading, and the buyer now receives the goods unaware of the initial supplier.8
Benefits of switch bill of lading
Switch bills of lading add key advantages for Indian exporters and intermediaries. The benefits include:
● Preserving confidentiality between supplier, trader, and end buyer.
● Simplifying documentation for re-sale or country-specific regulations.
● Enabling trade in triangle or multi-party sales.
● Preventing back-to-back exposure of sensitive transactions.
● Facilitating faster payment cycles and cargo clearance.
● Legal compliance across different jurisdictions.9
Risks associated with switch bill of lading
However, switch bills of lading carry the following potential risks if mishandled:
● Risk of documentary fraud (duplicate documents, altered details).
● Potential delays from errors or incomplete surrender of original bills.
● Non-compliance with carriers or country-specific laws, leading to cargo hold or legal disputes.
● Increased documentation and carrier fees.
● Possibility of insurance claims denial if key terms are changed improperly.10
Tips to handle a switch bill of lading
A few suggestions to keep in mind when handling a switch bill of lading are:
● Freight forwarders should verify the credibility of the authorizing party, secure written consent, and obtain a letter of indemnity to protect against liabilities.
● Written consent should also be taken from any additional parties who may be impacted by the freight forwarder’s action, such as the ship owner, shipper, or bank.
● If the principal requests issuance based on a customer indemnity, the freight agent should use the principal’s approved wording and obtain their sign-off before proceeding. It’s also a good idea to make sure the freight agent has their own insurance that covers the issuance of switch bills. They must notify the insurance provider of the exact reason for switch bill of lading’s issuance.11
Conclusion
For Indian exporters, the switch bill of lading is a strategic document that can solve issues like maintaining confidentiality, transactional flexibility, and the ability to respond to rapidly changing business arrangements. Evolving global trade and multi-country exports are making them increasingly relevant for Indian businesses. As e-commerce exports continue to rise, understanding how to use switch bills of lading can help exporters stay compliant, reduce risk, and optimize transactional flow.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who issues a switch bill of lading?
A switch bill of lading can be issued only if requested by the cargo owner. Only the party that has a complete set of documents can ask for a switch bill of lading as this bill represents ownership. After the request has been made, the freight forwarder or carrier can approve the request.
2. Can a switch bill of lading be revised?
During the export logistic process, a few changes in shipment details or cargo details can be expected. A bill of lading can be revised accordingly.
3. Where can a bill of lading be switched?
A bill of lading may be moved anywhere in the world for goods, depending on the shipping line and its coverage. For instance, if a shipment is going from New Delhi to Amsterdam, the bill of lading can be switched in London, if the shipping line has an office in London. The switching of the bill of lading is not dependent on the route of the cargo.
4. Who can request a switch bill of lading?
The request can be made by the party controlling the cargo, usually the shipper, consignee, or an intermediary trader.
5. What is the purpose of switch bill of lading?
Its purpose is to replace the original bill with an updated version that changes specific shipment details while preserving legal validity.
Published on August 29, 2022.
Updated on September 25, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.itic-insure.com/fileadmin/uploads/itic/Documents/BOL/Issuance%20Switch%20Bill%20of%20Lading.pdf
2. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
3. https://blog.pazago.com/post/switch-bill-of-lading
4. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
5. https://dclcorp.com/blog/shipping/bill-of-lading/
6. https://www.citrusfreight.com/resource/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
7. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
8. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
9. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/switch-bill-of-lading/ https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
10. https://www.citrusfreight.com/resource/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
11. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
Updated on September 25, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.itic-insure.com/fileadmin/uploads/itic/Documents/BOL/Issuance%20Switch%20Bill%20of%20Lading.pdf
2. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
3. https://blog.pazago.com/post/switch-bill-of-lading
4. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
5. https://dclcorp.com/blog/shipping/bill-of-lading/
6. https://www.citrusfreight.com/resource/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
7. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
8. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
9. https://www.shiprocket.in/blog/switch-bill-of-lading/ https://www.dripcapital.com/en-in/resources/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
10. https://www.citrusfreight.com/resource/blog/switch-bill-of-lading
11. https://www.icontainers.com/us/2018/11/01/switch-bill-of-lading-complete-manual/
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