In a major legislative update, the Rajya Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Act, 2025 on Monday, bringing an end to the 169-year-old Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856.
The bill had earlier cleared the Lok Sabha in March and will now proceed to the President of India for final assent.
The approval came through a voice vote, with the Opposition absent following a walk-out during the post-lunch session.
The new act, introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is set to transform India’s maritime regulatory landscape by introducing a simplified and internationally aligned framework for shipping documents.
Replacing a Colonial Legacy
The existing law, introduced during the British era, is a brief three-section statute that primarily governs the transfer of rights related to shipped goods and confirms loading on vessels. Over the decades, with global trade evolving rapidly, this outdated framework has proven inadequate.
The newly passed Bills of Lading Act, 2025, addresses these shortcomings by providing a clearer, more comprehensive, and user-friendly approach. It also aligns India’s shipping documentation practices with international standards.
What Is a Bill of Lading?
A freight carrier issues a bill of lading as a crucial document to a shipper. It details the type, quantity, condition, and destination of the goods being transported. It serves as a receipt, a contract of carriage, and evidence of title to the goods.
Key Highlights of the New Act
- Renaming the existing 1856 law to the Bills of Lading Act, 2025
- Reorganising and simplifying provisions for clarity without changing the substance
- Empowering the Central Government to issue rules and directions for implementation
- Including a repeal and saving clause, effectively removing the colonial imprint
The bill aims to boost investor confidence, enhance regulatory transparency, and streamline logistics processes for shipping companies operating in India.
Once enacted, the Bills of Lading Act, 2025, will pave the way for greater efficiency in India’s maritime sector, helping it keep pace with global shipping practices.
The law reflects the government’s commitment to modernising trade infrastructure and supporting the nation’s ambition to become a global logistics hub.
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