KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 -- A senior maritime industry executive has warned that mismatches involving bills of lading (BL) and physical cargo movement are emerging as a growing operational and regulatory risk in the global shipping and commodity trading sector.

Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jeyenderan Ramasamy said many outside the maritime industry often underestimate the importance of the BL, viewing it merely as a standard shipping document despite its central role across the global trade ecosystem.

The shipping industry veteran, who has more than 30 years of experience, said the BL is closely tied to banking transactions, insurance arrangements, Customs declarations, cargo ownership representation and sanct...