The Lok Sabha has passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, a new law that replaces the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856. This move aims to modernize India’s shipping regulations and bring them in line with global trade practices.
Introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill updates and simplifies the rules governing shipping documents. The old law, which was 169 years old, had only three sections and mainly dealt with the transfer of shipping rights and confirmation of goods loaded on ships. However, with the shipping industry growing and global trade becoming more complex, a new, clearer legal framework was needed.
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The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025 keeps the core principles of the old law but renames, reorganizes, and simplifies its provisions. It also gives the Central Government the power to issue directions for its implementation. Additionally, the bill includes a repeal and saving clause, ensuring a smooth shift from the old law to the new one.
By removing outdated rules and aligning with international shipping standards, this new law will make business easier and improve efficiency in India’s maritime sector.
