‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill

On the first day of the Monsoon Session 2025, the ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill was successfully passed by the Rajya Sabha, moving it closer to becoming law with Presidential Assent. The bill, which had already cleared the Lok Sabha in March 2025, was tabled in the Upper House by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal.

Once enacted, this landmark legislation will replace the 169-year-old colonial-era Indian Lading Act, 1856. The new law is designed to create a modern, simplified, and globally aligned legal framework for maritime shipping documentation in India.

Key features and objectives of the ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill include:

• Modernization: It replaces archaic terminology with clear and business-friendly language.
• Streamlined Operations: It clarifies and streamlines the rights and obligations for carriers, shippers, and lawful holders of bills of lading.
• Reduced Litigation Risk: By minimizing ambiguity in shipping documentation, the bill aims to lower the incidence of legal disputes.
• Global Alignment: It strengthens India’s position in global trade by aligning its maritime laws with international norms and standards. This reform is seen as a crucial step towards enhancing ease of doing business in India’s maritime sector and supporting the vision of “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
• Continuity: The bill includes a standard repeal and saving clause to ensure the legal validity of past actions under the old Act.