In my article for ‘what is a bill of lading in Nigerian context?’ I did mention that instead of arguments on what is the definition for the bill of lading and what is not, an effort focused on the content of the bill of lading that makes it acceptable in a place is well placed. For example, the Nigerian Customs authority requires that Form M numbers be added to the shipping document, and no international definition is able to cover this point, till the time of making this post. So, the article sighted above focused on the compulsory content of the bill of lading. This article will now look into what form of bill of lading is acceptable to secure cargo release in Nigeria. The purpose is to enable the consignee or importers know what to ask for from the forwarder agent or shipping company.

Read Also: WHAT IS COMPLETE SET OF CLEARING DOCUMENTS IN NIGERIA

THE HOUSE BILL OF LADING –HBL:

This document contains the information as to the real shipper and consignee, the shipment detail as well as the information of the freight forwarder or his agent and even shipping terms. The House Bill of Lading is issued after the cargo is loaded on the ship by the freight forwarder to the shipper. The document serves the following purposes

As a proof of contract of contract of carriage between the forwarder and his ‘customer’
As a proof for goods shipped
As a title document, enabling the consignee or importer in Nigeria to do import cargo clearance and cargo release and delivery from the local office of the freight forwarder as he hands over the original House Bill of Lading
Ensure the House Bill of Lading has the following:
http://www.clearingandforwardingnigeria.com/what-bill-of-lading-is-acceptable-in-nigeria/