In the field of import and export, understanding the terms related to the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved is very important to ensure the smooth operation of the transaction. One of the important terms that we often encounter is “Consignee” (CNEE). Consignee is the recipient of goods in an import and export transaction, playing a major role in receiving goods from the sender (Shipper) and being responsible for the goods after delivery. However, many people often confuse the concepts of Shipper-Consignee and Seller-Buyer, although they have important differences in the functions and responsibilities of each party. A clear distinction between Shipper-Consignee and Seller-Buyer is essential to ensure accuracy in international trade transactions.
What is a Consignee (CNEE)?
A consignee (CNEE), also known as a consignee, is an individual or organization designated to receive goods at the destination in a shipping or delivery transaction. During the transportation of goods, the consignee is the person who has the right to receive the goods from the carrier after the goods have been delivered to the designated address. The consignee’s position on a shipping document, such as a bill of lading, helps ensure that the goods are delivered to the correct person and address, and is also the person responsible for receiving and inspecting the goods upon arrival.
Distinguishing shipper – consignee
A shipper and a consignee are two different roles in a shipping transaction. A shipper, also known as a shipper, is an individual or organization that carries out the delivery of goods from the point of origin to the destination during the transportation process. The shipper’s role includes preparing goods for shipping, packaging, labeling, and coordinating with the shipping company or logistics service providers to ensure that goods are delivered on time and to the right place. The shipper is also often responsible for the paperwork involved in shipping, such as completing the necessary documents and paying for shipping costs.
The main difference between a shipper and a consignee lies in their roles and responsibilities in the supply chain. The shipper is the person who initiates the shipping process, responsible for preparing and sending the goods, while the consignee is the person who receives the goods after they have been shipped to their destination. The shipper is typically not involved after the goods have left the point of origin, while the consignee focuses on receiving the goods and handling issues related to the delivery of the goods. In many cases, the shipper and consignee may be the same organization, but they may also be different parties depending on the structure and terms of the transaction.
Difference between seller – buyer
Seller and buyer are two parties in a transaction of buying and selling goods or services. Seller is the person who provides the goods or services and is responsible for delivering them according to the terms of the sales contract. Seller receives payment from the buyer according to the terms agreed in the contract. Conversely, buyer is the person who purchases the goods or services and is responsible for paying the seller according to the terms of the contract. The main difference between seller-buyer and shipper-consignee is that seller and buyer are concerned with the financial and commercial aspects of the transaction, while shipper and consignee are concerned with the transportation and delivery of goods.
While seller and buyer focus on negotiating and executing the purchase transaction, shipper and consignee take on specific roles in the transportation of goods, ensuring that the goods are sent and received properly.
Relationship between shipper/seller and consignee/buyer
The relationship between shipper/seller and consignee/buyer reflects the coordination between different stages in the commercial transaction and transportation of goods. Seller and buyer are the main parties in the contract of sale of goods, while shipper and consignee are involved in the transaction and transportation of goods from seller to buyer. Shipper performs the role of transferring goods from seller to consignee, while consignee receives goods from shipper and inspects the delivery.
In many cases, seller and shipper may be the same individual or organization, and consignee and buyer may also be the same party. However, in international or complex transactions, the seller may not be the shipper, and the buyer may not be the consignee. This requires close coordination between the parties involved to ensure that goods are delivered to the correct address and meet commercial and transportation requirements.