connaissements

A connaissement, also known as a bill of lading in English, is a crucial document in international trade and transportation. It serves as a receipt for the shipment of goods, a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and a document of title. Essentially, it proves that the carrier has received the goods in apparent good order and condition and agrees to transport them to a specified destination.

The connaissement details the type and quantity of goods, the names of the shipper and the consignee, the port of loading and the port of discharge, and the name of the vessel. It outlines the terms and conditions of carriage, including the carrier's responsibilities and liabilities. As a document of title, it can be transferred to a third party, allowing them to claim the goods at the destination. This transferability is vital for trade finance, as it can be used as collateral.

There are several types of connaissements, including straight bills of lading (non-negotiable) and order bills of lading (negotiable). The latter is more common in international trade and allows for the transfer of ownership. The issuance of a clean bill of lading indicates that the goods were received without any noted exceptions regarding their condition. This document is indispensable for customs clearance, insurance claims, and dispute resolution in the shipping process.