Hi,

We bought cargo from our supplier (company X) that in turn bought the cargo from an end supplier (company Y).

Due to some reason, the end supplier (company Y) put incorrect information in the goods descrition field on the B/L.

I have checked with the shipping agent and it confirmed that I would not be able to change the goods description.

Could someone advise how we could resolve this problem, i.e. who and how to put the correct information on the goods description field of the B/L?

Thanks.

Replying to [kai1]:

Thanks for reply.

It is exactly because we do not want problem with Customs at discharging port that we tried very hard to get company X and/or company Y to issue a new set of B/Ls with the correct goods description. But company X could not get help from company Y.

Does this mean there is no way to have a new set of B/Ls that show the correct goods description?

We have not paid for the goods so we are safe from financial loss. But is there a way to resolve this impasse?

Once again, thanks.

Replying to [kai1]:
you can ask from company X to solve this problem with company Y and change details and issue new B/L. Only, you didn't mentioned what is the exact problem, is it so big mistake?

Replying to [kai1]:Ask the company X to get in touch with company Y who has prepared the B/L.

Company Y should get in touch with the shipping line and local custom authorities to get the necessary changes done.

If the vessel is already departed from the sellers place and further inspection of the merchandise can not be done in that case the seller may have to pay the hefty fee to get the necessary changes done but again it depends upon the local customs law whether they allow to make such changes once the vessel is departed from their region.

Quoting from [kai1]:


Hi,


We bought cargo from our supplier (company X) that in turn bought the cargo from an end supplier (company Y).


Due to some reason, the end supplier (company Y) put incorrect information in the goods descrition field on the B/L.


I have checked with the shipping agent and it confirmed that I would not be able to change the goods description.


Could someone advise how we could resolve this problem, i.e. who and how to put the correct information on the goods description field of the B/L?


Thanks.

The mistakes of the BL should be corrected by the supplier who shipped out the cargo. For example, if Company Y is the company that shipped out the cargo, then they should be the one responsible for the mistakes correction, else they will be the party to bear the unnecessary cost incurred for the shipment.


Since Company X is in the picture, then Company X may have the duty to advise or ask Company Y to do the correction for the mistake in the BL.


Cheers!!

Replying to [kai1]:

In this case Company Y should contact the load port ship company for the amendment of the description. In turn the shipping agent would inform their destination agent of the amendment - duly endorsed by the load port agent.

If for any reason Y did not do it, you may want to try talk to the destination shipping agent for the amendment, your company may have to indemnify/provide a bankers guarantee to the shipping company for the amendment, with supporting documentation proof of the actual goods description - Invoice/Packing list.

For your info, the shipping company may charge a fee for the amendment at load port or destination port. This may be 1 of the reasons why they hesitate to change. Another may be due to the Load port custom regulations that they are unable to get the amendment done.

Hope this helps.

Replying to [kai1]:
According to shipping rules relevant to documentaion issuance especially in case of a cargo reselling it is always a duty of intermediary or sub-aent involved to verify exact and correct etails stated on documentation set.
so you should insist with him to enter in touch with he company (Y) who made mistake about the isuance of shipping documents to amend immediately the same solving so such a painful issue.
Be very careful concerning eventual costs. Any sort of charges have to be debited to you cause export like sub-aent has to pay due attention once they do peforme rlevant documentation.
Winner

Replying to [kai1]:just ask the company X to solve all the problem of B/L amendment, then make your payment. it is lucky that you don't make payment in advance. so you won't have any financial loss in this cast.

Replying to [kai1]:
in my opinion,if the invoice and packing list the same with B/L,you can pick up the goods as normal.

Replying to [kai1]:

sorry kai1, I dont understand the point of changing the description?
What are u afraid of?

As long as the description on your BL, PL, Inv and whatever document is consistent before and after the shipment, you can get your stuff at the port.

Why I said "before" and "after" is because you have to make sure your partner on the other side uses the same description. And the document are all spell the same. The shipper do not care if your description spells backward.

The only concern you should have is the Tax, and other inspection that the government need you carry out. Eg. A wrong item name on your doc will be a bit of a problems.

Therefore, make sure your agent, seller, end-user or whoever agrees on one description alone and nothing else First!