提单 (BL)

The Bill of Lading (BL) is the critical shipping document in international trade. Three roles: (1) receipt of goods loaded aboard the vessel; (2) contract of carriage between shipper and carrier; (3) document of title — whoever holds the original BL can claim the cargo. In "30% TT + 70% against BL copy" payments, the seller sends a scanned BL to the buyer, who pays the balance within 7 days, then receives the original BL to clear customs. Do not hand over BL until payment received.