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On the first day of the Monsoon Session, Parliament passed the landmark ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime legislative reform. Tabled by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha on July 21, 2025, after earlier approval by the Lok Sabha in March 2025, and now awaits Presidential assent.
The bill aims to replace the colonial-era Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which had governed maritime shipping documentation for 169 years. The reform introduces a modern, simplified, and globally aligned framework that reflects India’s constitutional values and economic aspirations under the Vision 2047 initiative for Viksit Bharat.
Shri Sonowal described the bill as a move toward eliminating colonial remnants and embracing statutes crafted for contemporary India. The new law adopts clear, business-friendly language, simplifies complex legal provisions, and introduces an enabling clause allowing the Central Government to issue directions for effective implementation. It also includes repeal and saving clauses to ensure legal continuity.
By streamlining rights and obligations for carriers, shippers, and consignees, the bill reduces litigation risks and enhances Ease of Doing Business (EODB). Importantly, it aligns India’s maritime documentation with international standards, thereby boosting India’s global trade competitiveness.
Highlighting the strategic importance of maritime dominance, Sonowal invoked the adage, “Whoever rules the waves, rules the world,” underscoring India’s ambition to lead in the maritime domain. The bill represents a pivotal step in strengthening India’s shipping infrastructure, ensuring legal clarity, and fostering an investor-friendly trade environment.