Rajya Sabha passes ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ to enable ease of doing business in India

22 Jul 2025 Evaluate

Symbolising a decisive move away from India’s colonial past, Rajya Sabha has passed ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’ bill on the first day of monsoon session paving the way for Presidential Assent. The bill, already passed by the Lok Sabha, now awaits Presidential assent to become law. Post Presidential Assent, the law will replace the 169 years-old colonial era Indian Lading Act, 1856 with a modern, simplified, and globally aligned legal framework for maritime shipping documentation in India. 

The new law replaces archaic terminology with clear & business friendly language, streamlining rights & obligations for carriers, shippers and lawful holders; reducing ambiguity in shipping documentation to lower litigation risks as well as strengthening India’s position in global trade by aligning with international norms. Further, by incorporating a standard repeal and saving clause, the legislation ensures continuity and legal validity of past actions under the old Act. These reforms aim to enhance clarity, promote ease of understanding, and enable smoother enforcement in line with contemporary trade and legal standards enabling Ease of Doing Business (EODB) in India.

Talking about the bill, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal indicated that the bill reflects country’s constitutional values and marks a vital step in replacing outdated colonial laws with a modern, accessible framework. Besides, this reform is expected to boost ease of doing business, reduce disputes, and strengthen India’s global trade standing.


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