What is a Consignee?
The consignee is the party that receives the goods at the destination, usually the buyer. This could be an individual, a business, or a warehouse.
What is an Ultimate Consignee?
U.S. CBP uses the term “ultimate consignee” to describe the U.S. party to whom the overseas shipper sold or consigned the merchandise at the time of entry. This is the person or business that ultimately receives the goods for use, resale, or distribution. The ultimate consignee may be the importer of the goods, but not always, since an importer can designate another party to physically take delivery.
Consignee Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the consignee can vary depending on the terms of sale and the incoterms, but they usually include:
- Receiving the Shipment: Accepting delivery from the carrier once customs clearance is complete.
- Verifying Goods: Checking that the shipment matches the purchase order, including quantity, packaging, and condition.
- Coordinating Delivery: Scheduling unloading, warehousing, or onward transport within the supply chain.
- Providing Information: Sharing details such as delivery addresses, contact persons, or documentation needed for final delivery.
- Supporting the Importer: If the consignee is not the importer, assisting with communication and recordkeeping to ensure the shipment is properly accounted for.