Signature of Bill of Lading

Wolfgang1 · Post by **Wolfgang1** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:00 am

A combined transport B/L - named Through B/L on the letter form of BGL, Hong Hong - was presented under our L/C.
The front page is signed by BGL, Shenzhen, without stating any further identification (like as agent for the carrier).

An attachment to this B/L shows beside description of goods the following information: 'BGL, Shenzhen, as agent for the carrier BGL, Hong Kong'.

Is it acceptable for you that the identification of the agent and the carrier appears only on the attachment of the B/L?

POLTERD. · Post by **POLTERD.** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:00 am

I wouldn't accept it.
regards,
bogdan

DanielD · Post by **DanielD** » Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:00 am

In my opinion the issue is: is the attachment part of the B/L or is it an additional document not required in the credit?
Daniel

POLTERD. · Post by **POLTERD.** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

Daniel, based on ISBP art.29 it seems that such a b/l would be acceptable (I mean a b/l indicating on the 1st page "see attached list",the attached list being attached to it. attached list may show informations like a large number of containers or goods description or any other information you had no space to write on 1st page of b/l).
but despite ISBP art.29 I think the 1st page should also evidence the capacity of the signer.
I think so because ISBP art.30 states "... unless the credit or the document itself indicates where a signature or endorsement is to appear...". Or, the 1st page of b/l (I think) has a preprinted box for the signature of the issuer.

KimChristensen · Post by **KimChristensen** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

Dear Wolfgang,

To me it is not relevant where the information regarding agent/carrier is stated – as long as it is within the transport document required by the credit.
In this case you can see who has signed the document (BGL, Shenzhen) – and also the capacity (BGL, Shenzhen, as agent) and also that it is signing on behalf of an identified carrier (carrier BGL, Hong Kong).

Hence I agree with Daniel that the question relevant is whether or not the attachment is part of the B/L or an attachment.

Best regards
Kim

DanielD · Post by **DanielD** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

Bogdan,

The signature appears presumably in the right box (according to par.30). It is just the capacity of the entity which signs the document which appear somewhere else. So...
Daniel

Wolfgang1 · Post by **Wolfgang1** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

We kindly inform you that the attachment is appended to the Bill of Lading by means of a stamp and attachment shows further Bill of Lading Number.

DanielD · Post by **DanielD** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

In that case, my opinion is it is OK
Daniel

KimChristensen · Post by **KimChristensen** » Tue Apr 17, 2007 1:00 am

I agree with Daniel.

Kim