Bills of Lading Bill, 2025 repeals 1856 Act, retains core provisions

It ensures that when a bill of lading is transferred, the rights to sue and the liabilities regarding the goods pass to the new holder, and it protects good-faith holders from claims that the goods were not actually loaded.

Who it concerns: Consignees and endorsees of bills of lading, original shippers or owners of goods, masters or persons signing bills of lading, and the Central Government.

What the bill does

• Rights of suit and liabilities regarding the goods pass to the consignee or endorsee when property in the goods passes to them.
• A bill of lading in the hands of a holder for valuable consideration is conclusive evidence that goods were shipped on board, against the master or signer, unless the holder had actual notice the goods were not loaded.
• The master or signer can avoid liability for misrepresentation if they prove it was caused by fraud of the shipper or holder without their own default.
• The Act does not affect rights of stoppage in transit or rights to claim freight against the original shipper.
• The Central Government is empowered to issue directions necessary for carrying out the provisions of the Act.

Also in the document

• The Bill repeals the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856.
• Savings clauses ensure that rights, obligations, penalties, and proceedings under the repealed 1856 Act continue or are treated as if the new Act had not been enacted, where applicable.
• The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.