Parties and roles
Notify party
The party the carrier informs when the cargo arrives, named on the bill of lading next to the consignee.
In four languages
The notify party receives the arrival notice from the carrier or its agent, usually a few days before the ship arrives. It is often the same company as the consignee, or the importer's clearing agent. The notify party has no right to the goods by being named; it is simply the contact who must act. This matters most when the consignee is 'to order' under a letter of credit: the bank holds the title, so the actual buyer is put in as notify party so that someone receives the arrival details and can prepare clearance. Example: an Omani importer pays by letter of credit through a Muscat bank. The bill of lading is made out to the order of the bank, with the importer as notify party. The importer receives the arrival notice for Sohar and prepares documents while the bank releases the endorsed bill of lading.
Questions
Does the notify party own the goods?
No. Being notify party gives no right to collect the cargo. Release depends on the consignee and the type of bill of lading.
Can I put my customs broker as notify party?
Yes, many importers name their broker or forwarder as a second notify party so arrival information reaches the people who will clear the goods.