Consignee
The party named on the transport document to receive the goods at destination, usually the buyer or importer, or a bank when shipped to order.
TL;DR: The consignee is the party entitled to receive the goods at the destination. In most cases it is the buyer or importer, but it can also be a bank or an agent.
On a Bill of Lading, Sea Waybill, or Air Waybill, the consignee field tells the carrier who the cargo is for. With a Sea Waybill or Air Waybill, the carrier releases the goods to that named consignee. With an original B/L, the holder of the properly endorsed original has the right to take delivery.
A B/L can be made out “to order” instead of naming a company. Common forms are “to order,” “to order of shipper,” or “to order of” a named bank. This is typical under an L/C. The bank controls the goods until the buyer pays or accepts the documents, and then the B/L is endorsed so the buyer can collect the cargo.
The consignee often acts as the importer for customs purposes, although in some countries the importer of record can be a different party. Customs may also need the consignee’s tax or registration number on the documents.
Give your supplier your exact legal company name, full address, and any required tax or customs ID before the goods ship. A misspelled consignee name can hold up release, and changing it after the B/L is issued usually costs a fee. If a forwarder or project contractor will receive the goods for you, agree on who is listed before booking. See also Shipper and Notify Party.