FIATA-FBL-MASTER

FIATA FBL multimodal negotiable B/L equivalent.

Definition

FIATA FBL specifications: negotiable document (transferable by endorsement), title of property (cargo claimable by holder), receipt for goods, evidence of carriage contract. Classic paper format 11 copies (3 originals + 8 non-negotiable copies), distinctive colours: negotiable pale green, non-negotiable pink. UNCTAD/ICC Rules for Multimodal Transport Documents (1991) reference standard conditions. eFBL electronic format launched 2021 by FIATA in partnership with essDOCS for digital trade ; essDOCS CargoDocs FBL platform pilot. Acceptable ICC Uniform Customs UCP 600 Article 19 (Multimodal Transport Document). FIATA membership ~40000 freight forwarders 150 countries via 109 national associations. Non-conforming FBL penalties: bank letter of credit (LoC) refusal.

Origin

FIATA FBL published 1971 by FIATA ; UNCTAD/ICC Rules 1991 revision standards ; ICC UCP 600 Article 19 acceptance ; electronic eFBL launched 2021 essDOCS partnership ; ~5M FBLs issued/year 2024.

Example in context

DHL Global Forwarding (FIATA member) issues a FBL for Shanghai -> Antwerp shipment via Maersk container sea + rail Rotterdam-Munich + truck Munich-Vienna: FBL multimodal covers 3 modes, negotiable, acceptable LoC bank customer financing.

Related terms

• FIATA FCT — another FIATA document.