Document background
The Unclean Bill of Lading is a critical document in international maritime trade, particularly relevant under Swiss law despite Switzerland being a landlocked country with a significant role in global trade. This document is used when goods loaded onto a vessel show visible defects, damage, or discrepancies in quantity, quality, or packaging condition. It serves multiple purposes: documenting the actual condition of goods at shipment, protecting carriers from false claims, and providing important information to consignees and banks financing the trade. Subject to Swiss federal regulations and international conventions like the Hague-Visby Rules, the document must include specific notations about the cargo's condition and any observed irregularities. It is particularly crucial in letter of credit transactions, where banks need accurate information about the shipment's condition for financing decisions.
