Switch Bill of Lading

Switch B/L is the new set of b/ls issued upon customer’s request in exchange of the first set of original bill. This is also called ” the traders’ second set”. Switch b/ls are intended to keep the identity of the supplier from the sub purchaser and thus to prevent future direct dealing between the supplier and the sub purchaser. Shipper, Consignee and Notify are the information that are most commonly requested to be changed by the traders. Due care and consideration must be exercised when issuing such bills of lading because of inherent exposure to fraud/conversion of factual data . Furthermore, the agent at POD must confirm that amendment may be performed without fines. If amendment is done too late, cargo declaration may already have been done or even cargo may already been discharged, leading to fines / costs for amendments. These fines/costs are to be borne by the party requesting the amendment.