The Original Bill of Lading (B/L) is a crucial document for international importers. It is the primary document required to take possession of goods arriving from abroad. When the B/L is exchanged for the Delivery Order (DO), it becomes the key proof for cargo release. Here, we'll show what to do if the Original B/L is lost.
If your Original B/L is lost, don't panic. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Contact the Shipping Company: Contact the shipping company immediately, making every effort to reach them and requesting daily updates.
2. Contact the Carrier: Simultaneously, get in touch with the carrier to report the loss and request the procedure for obtaining the DO at the destination without the Original B/L.
3. Inform the Shipper and Freight Forwarding Company: Notify the shipper and the freight forwarding company about the situation and work together to find a solution. Keep both the shipping line and the transportation company informed and involved.
4. Bank Guarantee: The shipping line may suggest a Bank Guarantee. In this case, be prepared to negotiate to obtain the DO without the need for a Bank Guarantee. Write a letter expressing your intention to the shipping line, and send it to the origin shipping company.
5. Notify the Customs Brokerage Company: Inform the customs brokerage company and provide them with a letter of intent along with the notice.
6. Release at Destination: The release of the DO at the destination ultimately depends on the discretion of the shipper and the original shipping line.
7. Bank Guarantee at the Destination: If needed, prepare a Bank Guarantee for 100% for a duration of three months. You will have to contact a bank to obtain the Bank Guarantee. The bank will typically require documents such as the invoice, OBL, a letter from the parcel transportation company, a notification letter, and a Bank Guarantee form. The fee for this service varies from bank to bank and is generally around 1% of the total amount.
8. Approval by the Origin Shipping Line: Once the origin shipping line approves, you can go to exchange the DO. In this case, you will need to use the Bank Guarantee documents instead of the Original B/L. You can then use the DO for the next steps of cargo inspection and receipt.
Remember, the process for handling a lost Original B/L may vary depending on your specific situation and the policies of the shipping company. Always keep communication lines open and cooperate with all parties involved to resolve the issue efficiently.
