Document background
The Direct Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international trade, particularly crucial for transactions governed by Swiss law. This document type is used when a single carrier takes responsibility for the transportation of goods from origin to destination, unlike through bills of lading which involve multiple carriers. The document incorporates requirements from both Swiss domestic law (particularly the Code of Obligations) and international maritime conventions that Switzerland has ratified. It serves three essential functions: acting as a receipt for goods loaded onto a vessel, evidencing the contract of carriage, and functioning as a document of title that enables the transfer of ownership rights. The Direct Bill of Lading includes crucial information such as the parties involved, detailed cargo descriptions, vessel details, and terms of carriage, making it essential for international trade transactions, customs clearance, and payment processing through banks.
