General
Consignee
The party named in transport documents to receive the goods at destination. Often the buyer or importer responsible for import clearance unless terms state otherwise.
In depth
The consignee is the party entitled to receive the cargo per the transport document. For negotiable B/Ls, the consignee may be “to order” of a bank or shipper until endorsement. Import clearance is typically arranged by or for the consignee unless DDP terms place duty on the seller.
Key points
- Must match import buyer unless triangular trade structures apply
- “To order” B/Ls require endorsement chain
- Notify party may differ: keep communication lines clear
- Errors on consignee name delay release and customs