---
title: "Bill of Lading"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/bill-of-lading-en"
field: "Aviation & Maritime Law"
description: "Bill of lading: its legal nature, required contents, originals and the delivery of goods under the Code. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-15"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Bill of Lading

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/bill-of-lading-en

## The Bill of Lading — a Document of Title to the Goods

A bill of lading is a document of title to goods which confirms the contract of carriage by sea and the taking over or loading of the goods by the carrier. Three functions merge in this definition: the bill proves the existence of the contract, evidences the carrier's taking over of the goods, and — as a dispositive document — determines how authority over the goods is exercised. That is why the law provides directly: upon presentation of the bill of lading the carrier is obliged to deliver the goods — the presenter acquires the right to receive them, and the carrier no longer searches for another consignee. To whomever the bill of lading is transferred, the fate of the goods attaches — which makes this document the central instrument of the commercial circulation of a sea carriage.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/aviation-and-maritime-law-en/bill-of-lading-en

### What is a bill of lading?

A document of title confirming the carriage contract and the taking over or loading of the goods.

### To whom will the carrier deliver the goods?

To the holder of an original — by type: straight, order or bearer bill.

### How many originals are issued?

Several at the shipper's demand, with the total count stated; delivery against one voids the others.

### Who answers for an error in the data?

The shipper, for the consequences of incorrect, inexact or incomplete data.