EXTRA BL FEE - MANUEL SI EBF-MS

The Extra Bill of Lading Fee for Manual Shipping Instructions (EBF-MS) is a charge that arises when shipping documentation is processed manually rather than through electronic submission systems. This fee is typically levied by shipping lines or freight forwarders who are responsible for handling the bill of lading, a critical document in international trade that serves as a receipt for cargo shipment and a document of title.

The EBF-MS is paid by the shipper or the party responsible for organizing the shipment, often a freight forwarder acting on behalf of the cargo owner. This fee compensates for the additional administrative effort and time required to manually input and verify shipping instructions, as manual processing is generally more labor-intensive and prone to human error compared to automated systems.

This fee is applicable in scenarios where electronic data interchange (EDI) systems are not utilized, either due to technical constraints or preference for manual oversight. The EBF-MS can vary depending on the shipping line's policies and the specific nature of the manual intervention required.

It is important to distinguish the EBF-MS from other fees such as documentation fees or amendment charges, which may also apply but are related to different aspects of the documentation process. While documentation fees cover the general processing of shipping documents, and amendment charges apply to changes after issuance, the EBF-MS specifically addresses the method of instruction submission.

In practice, shippers should aim to minimize the EBF-MS by adopting electronic submission methods whenever possible. However, when manual submission is necessary, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete can help avoid further delays and additional costs. This fee underscores the importance of efficient documentation processes in the broader context of supply chain management.