Parliament Clears Bill Replacing 169-Year Shipping Law

Parliament Clears Bill Replacing 169-Year Shipping Law

New Act modernises outdated law, aligns shipping rules with global standards
Published on

New Delhi

The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, replacing the 169-year-old Indian Bill of Lading Act, 1856, with a more modern and practical framework for maritime trade documents. The bill, earlier cleared by the Lok Sabha in March, was passed by a voice vote in the absence of the Opposition, who had walked out after lunch.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal presented the bill, stating that the new law would simplify legal language and align India’s shipping laws with global standards. The new Act focuses on updating outdated provisions and making the legal process user-friendly for stakeholders in the shipping industry.

The outdated colonial-era Act had only three sections and mainly dealt with the confirmation and transfer of shipping goods. With changes in global trade and shipping practices, the need for a clearer, modern law became essential.

The updated Bills of Lading Act, 2025, reorganises existing provisions without changing their core meaning, adds a standard repeal and saving clause, and allows the central government to issue directions for its implementation. It also removes colonial references and brings the law in line with contemporary trade practices.

A bill of lading is an important shipping document that confirms goods have been loaded and provides key details like the type, quantity, condition, and destination of the cargo. With Parliament’s approval, the bill now awaits the President’s assent to become law.

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