The bill of lading (B/L) serves as a crucial document of title in international shipping and, in principle, should not be altered once issued. However, in real-world operations, situations may arise that necessitate amending certain elements of the B/L—even after the vessel has departed.
If any of the following issues occur, it is essential to contact the shipping line or your freight forwarder promptly, explain the situation, and initiate the amendment process:
Discrepancy in cargo quantity
Incorrect cargo weight
Errors in cargo description, such as product name or specifications
Spelling mistakes in names or addresses
Mismatch with contract terms
Changes needed to consignee details, destination port, or similar key information
Each shipping company has its own requirements and procedures for B/L amendments. Typically, you’ll be asked to submit a Bill of Lading Amendment Request Form, along with a Letter of Indemnity (LOI). A fee is usually charged for each amendment, ranging from a few hundred RMB depending on the shipping line.
To avoid costly corrections, it’s always best to double-check all details before the B/L is finalized.
