Ask the legal team

I’ve been asked to back-date a bill of lading with a different date of shipment, what should I do?

Being asked to backdate a bill of lading by altering the shipment date to reflect an earlier time than when the cargo was actually loaded, is a serious red flag in maritime operations. While such requests may be framed as routine or necessary to meet contractual deadlines, they carry significant legal risks. A bill of lading is a legal document that represents the actual condition and timing of the cargo shipment. Misrepresenting this information can amount to fraud, potentially exposing the issuer to criminal liability, civil claims, and loss of insurance coverage.

Even if a letter of indemnity (LOI) is offered to justify the backdating, it does not shield you from third-party claims or regulatory scrutiny.

Most P&I Clubs and insurers explicitly warn against issuing inaccurate bills of lading, as doing so may prejudice your insurance coverage. The safest and most professional course of action is to refuse the request, escalate the issue internally, and ensure all documentation reflects the true facts of the shipment.

Ultimately, you should remember that you are the agent and must seek instructions from your principal. You should not make any decisions regarding bills of lading yourself. ITIC has a dedicated e-learning seminar on bills of lading which you can access here.