When the carrier loads your goods onto the vessel, the B/L acts as a receipt. It confirms that the cargo has been received in good condition and in the declared quantity. It is your proof that the shipping line has taken possession of the goods.

It is a receipt for the goods

The B/L is the legal proof of the contract between the exporter (shipper) and the carrier. It details the terms and conditions of the shipment: the origin, the destination, the route, the name of the consignee (receiver), and the responsibilities of each party.

It is a contract of carriage

This is the most important function. The original B/L is a negotiable document, meaning it is the title of ownership of the goods. Whoever possesses the original B/L can claim the cargo at the destination port. This gives the seller total control over the shipment, as they can demand payment before delivering the document to the buyer.

It is a title of ownership

What is the Bill of Lading (B/L) and why is it vital for your maritime cargo?

What information does a B/L contain?

An error-free B/L is crucial for efficient maritime transport. Any discrepancy in the data can cause significant delays and additional expenses at customs.

Remember:

Several physical copies are issued (usually 3). To release the cargo at the destination, it is mandatory to present at least one of these original copies. It is the most secure for the seller, as it guarantees that the buyer will only receive the goods once they have paid for and received the document.

Original B/L (Original Bill of Lading)

This is a non-negotiable document, similar to a consignment note. It is used for shipments where there is a relationship of trust, such as between subsidiaries of the same company. The goods are delivered directly to the consignee named in the document without the need to present an original.

Seaway Bill

This is a digital version of the original B/L. The carrier at origin sends an electronic notification (telex) to its agent at destination to release the cargo. This eliminates the need to send physical documents, saving time and courier costs, making it ideal for high-trust transactions.

Telex Release

Types of Bill of Lading: which one do you need for your shipment?

Discover essential certificates (health, phytosanitary, veterinary) for your import. Protect health, secure your cargo, and avoid customs detentions.

A veterinary certificate will be required, certifying that the meat comes from healthy animals and that the processing plant complies with health standards.

Importing meat from Argentina

You will need a health certificate guaranteeing that the product is fit for consumption and complies with FDA standards.

Exporting olive oil to the USA

You will need a phytosanitary certificate to prove that the timber has been treated against pests, according to international regulations (ISPM 15).

Importing timber from Brazil

Practical examples

These certificates are issued by governmental authorities in the country of origin:

How and where are they obtained?

As we mentioned, guaranteeing public health is one of the EU authorities' top priorities. Therefore, these types of certificates are important for:

They are the key for your goods to be legally marketed in the destination country.

Market Access

They are mandatory for customs clearance. Not having them is grounds for detention, fines, and rejection of the cargo.

Legal Compliance

They certify that your product does not pose a risk to public health, animal or plant health in the destination country.

Safety Guarantee

Why are they so important?

Certificates for import: health, phytosanitary, and veterinary

Import Certificates: Health, Phytosanitary & Veterinary

For products for human consumption (food, beverages) and materials that come into contact with them.

Health Certificate

For plants, plant products (fruits, vegetables, wood), and other materials that may contain pests.

Phytosanitary Certificate

For live animals, products of animal origin (meat, dairy, eggs), and by-products.

Veterinary Certificate

These certificates are issued by the competent authorities of the country of origin and act as a health passport for the goods transported. Without them, your cargo will be detained at the border, inspected, and could even be seized and destroyed.

What are they and what are they for?

Customs uses the information from this invoice, along with the cost of freight and insurance, to determine the customs value of the goods and thus calculate the taxes payable. An error in the declared value can lead to fines and cargo detentions.

Why is it vital for customs?

The Commercial Invoice is the legal document that certifies the sale and purchase transaction between the exporter and the importer or vice versa. It is the first document requested by customs, as they use it to calculate import duties and taxes (such as VAT or the corresponding tax depending on the country).

Name, address, phone number, and, crucially, the tax identification number (NIF/VAT).

Complete fiscal details of the seller and buyer

A unique identifier for traceability of the operation.

Date and invoice number

Clearly describe the product. Include the product reference, unit type (boxes, units, etc.), and quantity.

Detailed description of the goods

The numerical code that classifies the goods internationally. It is essential for customs to apply the correct duty.

Tariff code (HS Code)

The price of each product and the total value of the goods. Customs uses this value to calculate the taxable base.

Unit and total value

The currency in which the transaction is made (e.g., EUR, USD).

Currency

The international trade term (e.g., FOB, CIF, EXW) that defines the responsibilities, costs, and risks of transport between the parties.

Incoterm

Details on how the goods will be paid for.

Payment terms

To avoid delays and customs penalties due to incorrect preparation, your commercial invoice must be precise and contain the following information:

What key information must it include?

1. Commercial invoice: proof of sale

Consequences of errors:

The Commercial Invoice and the Packing List are interdependent documents. It is fundamental that the information regarding the description of the goods, the quantity of packages, and the weight matches exactly in both documents. Any discrepancy, however small, can generate:

The key to success: total consistency

Unlike the invoice, the Packing List has no commercial value, but it is an indispensable logistical and control tool. It is a detailed inventory of your cargo, describing the content, weight, and dimensions of each package. It is the roadmap for handling and inspecting the cargo.

The Packing List is the X-ray of your shipment. It must be precise and easy to read, including:

What essential information must it detail?

The total number of packages, boxes, pallets, bags, etc.

Number of packages

Unique identifiers that allow tracking each package (e.g., "Box 1 of 20").

Marks and numbering of packages

A simple description of the content of each package.

Description of goods

The weight of the product without packaging (net) and with packaging (gross). Gross weight is crucial for freight and terminal operations.

Net and gross weight

The measurements (length x width x height) to calculate the volume and the space the cargo will occupy in the container.

Dimensions of each package

To link the inventory to the sales transaction.

Commercial invoice reference

The Packing List facilitates the work of carriers, customs agents, and terminal operators, as they can verify the cargo without needing to open all packages. In case of a customs inspection, customs uses this document to compare the cargo with the declared documentation.

Why is it so relevant?

2. Packing List: the inventory of your cargo

Commercial invoice and packing list: essential documents for your maritime shipment

Discover the Certificate of Origin (COO): your goods' ID. Learn its types (EUR.1), tariff benefits, and how it speeds up international customs clearance.

If the country of origin of the goods has a trade agreement or free trade agreement with the country of destination (such as an agreement between the European Union and the USA), the Certificate of Origin allows the importer to benefit from the reduction or elimination of customs duties. Without this certificate, the goods might be subject to higher tariffs.

Application of preferential tariffs

The COO allows customs authorities to apply other specific regulations, such as trade restrictions, import quotas, or anti-dumping measures that may exist for products from certain countries.

Compliance with regulations

The country of origin is not always the country from which the goods are exported. For example, a Spanish company may export a product manufactured in China. In this case, the origin of the product remains China, and this will be reflected in the certificate of origin, and this point is very important because, depending, as we said, on the country of destination, it may have some type of extraordinary tariff or restrictions.

An important point to bear in mind:

Description of Goods: Type of product, quantity, weight, and value.

What information does a Certificate of Origin contain?

Certificate of Origin (COO): Your goods' ID

A certificate issued by the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona for a shipment of machinery to a country with which there is no specific trade agreement.

It is issued by a Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country. It serves to comply with import regulations and for trade statistics.

Simply certifies the origin of the goods without implying tariff benefits.

Non-preferential (or common) Certificate of Origin:

To export a product from the EU to South Korea, an EUR.1 certificate is used so that the Korean importer does not pay tariffs, thanks to the free trade agreement between both.

It can be a specific document like the EUR.1 (for EU agreements with other countries) or a declaration on the invoice itself (invoice declaration), depending on the value of the shipment and the trade agreement.

Certifies that the goods comply with the rules of origin of a trade agreement, thus allowing the application of reduced or zero tariffs.

Preferential Certificate of Origin:

What is the Certificate of Origin for?

Certificate of Origin (COO): Key Guide for Customs & Tariffs

Types of Certificates of Origin

HBL vs. MBL: What's the difference?

Evidences the agreement between your company and the freight forwarder.

Contract of carriage

Gives you legal control over your cargo. For your client at the destination to receive the goods, they must present the HBL to the freight forwarder's office or its agent.

Title of ownership

Certifies that the freight forwarder has received your cargo.

Receipt of goods

Functions of the HBL: What is it for?

Discover what HBL (House Bill of Lading) is, your key to controlling LCL maritime shipments. Understand its difference from MBL and how it gives you title of ownership.

The House Bill of Lading (HBL) is a type of document used in maritime transport. This is a bill of lading document issued by a freight forwarder or an NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier).

Unlike the Master Bill of Lading (MBL), which is issued directly by the shipping line, the HBL is the document your company receives from the freight forwarder. It is your receipt and contract of carriage directly with them.

House Bill of Lading (HBL): The key for consolidated shipments

House Bill of Lading (HBL): Guide for Consolidated Maritime Shipments

Result: In a single maritime transport operation, two key documents coexist:

Your freight forwarder collects your two pallets and combines them with cargo from other exporters also sending goods to the same destination.

Consolidation

The freight forwarder issues the House Bill of Lading to you. In this document, your company appears as the "shipper" and your client in the USA as the "consignee".

HBL Issuance

With all consolidated cargo in a single container, the freight forwarder takes the container to the shipping line. The shipping line, in turn, issues a Master Bill of Lading (MBL) to the freight forwarder.

MBL Issuance

How does the HBL work? A practical example

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It is a contract for the hire of a complete vessel between the shipowner (owner of the ship) and the charterer (your company). It gives you the control and capacity to move your massive cargo efficiently and securely. Depending on the type of goods, there are also different types of charters

What is a charter party?

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Bareboat Charter

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Our team of experts will advise you so that you choose the chartering modality that optimises your costs and meets your logistical needs.

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What do you need to charter a vessel?

Depending on the product you import or export, you will need other certificates and licenses, such as:

If you transport chemical or flammable products, this declaration is mandatory to ensure safe handling.

Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

Mandatory for plant, animal, or food products. Guarantees they comply with health regulations.

Phytosanitary or Health Certificate

If you have insured your goods, this document certifies the policy in case of a claim.

Insurance Certificate

Allows you to access reduced tariffs if your goods originate from a country with a trade agreement with the UK.

Certificate of Origin

Additional documents according to your cargo type

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is the central document in any maritime shipment. It is not just a receipt; it is the contract of carriage and, most importantly, the title of ownership of the goods. Without this original document, no one can collect the cargo at the destination port.

Establishes the terms and conditions of the service.

The shipping line confirms that it has received the cargo.

Key functions of the B/L:

1. Bill of Lading (B/L): the master document of your cargo

Gives you total control over the cargo. Ideal for transactions with new suppliers.

Original

For shipments between companies with high trust. The goods are automatically released upon arrival.

To release the cargo electronically, without sending the original. Speeds up the process and saves courier costs.

Types of B/L according to your needs:

Detailed description and value of the goods

Complete tax information

Defines the responsibilities and costs of transport.

Data it must include to avoid problems:

It is the document that certifies the sale and purchase. Customs uses it to calculate duties and taxes (such as import VAT). If your invoice is not accurate, you could face fines or delays.

2. Commercial Invoice: the basis for customs

The Single Administrative Document (DUA) is the declaration submitted to customs to obtain authorisation for import or export. This procedure, managed by a customs agent, is essential for goods to enter or leave the country.

4. Customs Clearance (DUA): the legal authorisation

Avoid delays in your maritime import/export. Discover key documents: Bill of Lading (B/L), invoice, packing list, DUA, and other essential certificates.

Documentation Types

Marks and identification numbers

Quantity and description of packages

Gross and net weight

What data is mandatory?

This document is the inventory of your cargo. It indicates the content, weight, and dimensions of each package. It is crucial for the carrier, customs, and recipient, as it facilitates the control and verification of the goods.

3. Packing List: the detailed inventory of your shipment

Essential documentation for maritime freight transport

Maritime Transport Documentation: Essential Document Guide

It is an individual document that covers a specific shipment from a shipper to a consignee. It is a contract of carriage and a title of ownership.

Bill of Lading (B/L)

It is a collective document that lists all shipments on board a vessel. It is an operational and legal summary for the shipping line and the authorities, but it is not a title of ownership.

Cargo Manifest

We can state, in summary, that the cargo manifest is the "passenger list" for the goods on board a vessel, thus providing the necessary transparency from the carrier, the shipping line, to third parties such as customs authorities or even border authorities of the waters through which it passes on its route.

Difference between cargo manifest and bill of lading

It is the main document that customs uses to verify the cargo entering and leaving the country. If the information in the Cargo Manifest does not match the customs declarations (DUA), the goods may be detained.

Customs Control

Port operators use it to plan the discharge and storage of goods. It indicates which containers or packages need to be discharged at each port.

Port Operations

It helps the crew and authorities identify the nature of the cargo, especially if it contains dangerous goods.

Safety

It provides data on trade volume and allows for tracking of cargo along its route.

Protect your cargo: marine cargo insurance policy

Why do you need marine cargo insurance?

Types of coverage: choose the one that best suits you

Clause C (Basic)

Clause B (Intermediate)

Clause A (All-Risk)

Advantages of insuring your cargo with us:

Tailored coverage

Total peace of mind

Fast processing

What information do we need to quote your insurance?

Related documentation

Bill of Lading (B/L): the master document of your cargo

House Bill of Lading (HBL)

Commercial Invoice and Packing List

Cargo Manifest

Certificate of Origin (COO)

Charter Party

Health, Phytosanitary or Veterinary Certificates