Cargo Manifest

A cargo manifest is the document listing every consignment of cargo loaded on a vessel for a voyage: marks, numbers, package count, description, weight or measurement, shipper, and consignee. It is the ship’s summary of all goods carried, compiled from the bills of lading, and is presented to customs and port authorities on arrival. The FAL Convention 1965 standardizes it as IMO FAL Form 2 (Cargo Declaration), one of the standard documents states may require under Annex Section 2. It is not a document of title; the bill of lading carries that function.