What is a Consignee in International Trade?

A consignee is a person or entity to whom goods are shipped or delivered under a contract of sale or other agreement. In other words, the consignee is the person or entity that receives the goods on behalf of the buyer or importer. The consignee may be responsible for paying the freight charges and other costs associated with the shipment, or these costs may be paid by the buyer or importer.

In international trade, the consignee is typically the importer of record and is responsible for clearing the goods through customs and taking possession of them. The consignee's name and contact information are usually listed on the bill of lading and other shipping documents.

It is important to note that the consignee is not always the final destination of the goods. For example, if the goods are being shipped to a distributor or retailer, the consignee may be the distributor or retailer, rather than the end user. In this case, the consignee would still be responsible for paying the freight charges and other costs associated with the shipment, but they would not be the ultimate recipient of the goods.