In practice: the consignee is often the importer, but under a letter of credit the B/L may be made out “to order of” the bank, with the buyer as notify party. The consignee's name and identifiers must match the importer's registration for customs; in Iraq, for example, the pre-declaration needs the consignee's tax or national ID. A wrong consignee usually means a B/L amendment, extra cost and a delayed release.

Example: a buyer's bank in Dubai issues a letter of credit. The B/L is consigned to the bank's order with the buyer as notify party; once the buyer pays, the bank endorses the B/L so the buyer can collect the cargo.