BIMCO is seeking industry participants to join a sounding board and provide feedback on the first draft of the new BIMCO Electronic Bills of Lading Clause.
The updated clause aims to reflect current market practice and the growing use of electronic trade documentation. The objective is to ensure that the clause remains fair, balanced and commercially workable while retaining the flexibility needed to accommodate future technological developments, including interoperability between electronic systems.
The draft clause addresses a number of key issues, including the selection of electronic systems, interoperability, the allocation of fees and liabilities, and the continued requirement for International Group-approved systems. The subcommittee has also considered how the clause should interact with other charter party provisions dealing with bills of lading and delivery of cargo.
As the drafting process moves towards completion, the subcommittee and BIMCO Secretariat are keen to hear from stakeholders with practical experience of electronic bills of lading and electronic trade documentation. Feedback is particularly welcomed on whether the proposed allocation of responsibilities, fees and liabilities strikes an appropriate balance and whether the interoperability provisions will work effectively in practice.
Interested in participating?
We welcome expressions of interest from shipowners, charterers, traders, P&I clubs, legal practitioners, electronic trade platform providers and other industry stakeholders.
To join the sounding board, please contact contracts@bimco.org as soon as possible and latest by 30 September 2026.
Your input will help shape BIMCO's contractual response to the continued digitalisation of global trade.
