What Is a Consignee in Shipping?

A consignee is an individual or company who is the intended recipient of shipped goods. This entity orders the cargo and is typically listed as the buyer in transport documents. Consignees, consignors (shippers), and carriers are all stakeholders in the shipping process.

Role of the consignee

Responsibilities in the shipping process

The consignee acts as the owner of the goods and is liable to pay duties and taxes and file customs declarations. They must check the shipment upon arrival to ensure it is in good condition. In case of discrepancies or damages, they should report to the appropriate parties.

Interactions with other parties

Consignees remain in communication with the consignor, freight forwarder, and carrier throughout the delivery process. They must keep a check on the shipping status and bring up any issues that arise during transit.

Difference between the consignee and notify party

The consignee is the recipient, while the notify party is simply informed of the shipment’s arrival at the destination. In most cases, the consignee is also listed as the notify party.

In complex supply chains, the notify party may be a separate entity, such as a freight forwarder, logistics provider, or another intermediary. While the notify party is not legally entitled to receive the goods, they can be involved in customs clearance or arranging pickup and delivery to the consignee. Primarily, their role is to facilitate the efficient flow of shipping information.

Legal obligations

Shipments involve contractual agreements, such as Incoterms, that mention specific duties of consignees. They must pay for the goods and any due charges, including customs duties, taxes, and freight costs. Understanding these financial responsibilities is essential to avoid complications.

The consignee must also adhere to any relevant laws, including customs and maritime regulations. These can vary based on the cargo type and destination point.

Consignee rights

Consignees are entitled to certain rights, including delivery refusal if the goods are not received in the right condition or as described by the seller. The consignee also has the right to inspect the shipment upon arrival, prior to taking possession. They can seek compensation for any loss incurred during transit.

Types of consignees

• Individuals: Ordinary consumers or individuals who receive shipments for personal use.

• Commercial consignees: Businesses or commercial entities that receive goods for use in company operations or to resell them.

• Government and NGO consignees: Organizations that receive shipments for official use or humanitarian purposes.

How to designate a consignee

The consignor designates the consignee in the shipping documents, usually the bill of lading. This document includes the consignee’s relevant details, including full name, delivery address, and contact information.

Consignee vs consignor

While the consignee is the intended recipient of the goods, the consignor ships them and initiates the shipping process. The consignor ensures that the goods are in suitable condition, inspecting them for any damage before packaging.