Sourcing glossary
Bill of lading
Also known as: B/L, BOL, Ocean bill of lading
A document issued by an ocean carrier or its agent that acts as a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage and, in its original negotiable form, a document of title needed to collect the cargo.
Whoever holds the original negotiable bill of lading controls the goods at the destination port. That is why many buyers pay the Chinese supplier's balance against a copy of the B/L: once paid, the supplier releases the originals, or asks the carrier for a telex release or issues a sea waybill so you can collect the cargo without paper originals.
Check the draft B/L before it is issued: shipper, consignee, notify party, port of loading and discharge, number of packages, weight and volume must match the commercial invoice and packing list. A forwarder's house B/L (HBL) and the shipping line's master B/L (MBL) are different documents; know which one you are receiving. See how to pay Chinese suppliers.
Related terms
Guides that use this term
Suppliers
Is My Chinese Supplier a Scam? 12 Patterns and the Checks That Catch Them
The twelve supplier scams importers meet in China, from the bank-account switch to the vanishing deposit, the check that exposes each, and what to do if you already paid.
Updated 2026-10-14 · 8 min read
Compliance
Importing from China to Peru: SUNAT Duties, IGV, Thresholds and the FTA
How a Peruvian importer clears goods from China: the US$200 and US$2,000 thresholds, ad valorem 0/6/11%, IGV and IPM, IGV perception, customs agents and the China FTA.
Updated 2026-10-14 · 6 min read
Compliance
Import Taxes from China to Mexico: Duty, IVA, DTA and the 33.5% Courier Rate
What a Mexican importer pays on goods from China in 2026: IGI by tariff line (5–50% since January), 16% IVA, DTA, antidumping quotas, the 33.5% courier rate, an example.
Updated 2026-10-14 · 7 min read
Platforms
Alibaba Trade Assurance: What It Covers and How to Claim
What Alibaba.com Trade Assurance covers and excludes, which payments qualify, refund windows, delivery-delay compensation and how to file a claim.
Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 min read
QC
Defective Goods from China: What to Do When Your Order Arrives Wrong
Defective goods from a Chinese supplier? How to document evidence, use your PO terms, negotiate a fix, file Trade Assurance or insurance claims, and prevent repeats.
Updated 2026-09-21 · 5 min read
Shipping
LCL vs FCL: When to Book a Full Container from China
LCL vs FCL explained for China imports: container sizes and volumes, the 15 CBM rule of thumb, LCL fees such as CFS and deconsolidation, and handling risks.
Updated 2026-09-12 · 6 min read
Part of Shipping & Logistics.