Is Switch B/L Legal ?

[Kishan Barai]

My friend Ayush is importing sanitary products from China & send it directly to USA.

He apply the concept of switch B/L

My friend / CHA / FF / NVOCC / Experts every one told me that "Switch B/L is legal"

But I don't feel it is as .......... COO is stating that goods are of Indian origin.

What is the view point of experts about Switch B/L ?

AI Summary

Switch bill of lading practice alters shipper/consignee and origin but raises insurance and compliance risks.
Switch bill of lading is a second bill issued to replace the original, changing shipper/consignee, discharge port, or stated origin to reflect resale or high-seas sale arrangements; while the practice is widely used and not deemed per se illegal in the discussion, it raises insurer concern and compliance issues including invoice generation in favour of the ultimate buyer, consistency of certificate of origin with actual origin, proper import documentation, notification to carriers and suppliers, and potential extra carrier charges.