ABSTRACT
In Chapters 1 and 2 the central role of the bill of lading in international trade was described. This role is a result of the core functions of the bill of lading being recognised virtually universally. At the same time the bill of lading system is under pressure mainly as a result of technological advances and (derived) changes in business practices which challenge especially the “presentation rule”. Thus, the public regulation of the use of bills of lading no longer fully corresponds to the realities of business practices.
