A clean bill of lading is so called because it shows no record of damaged goods or discrepancies in the quantity or quality of goods being transported. It is a document issued by the carrier or their agent that serves as a receipt for the goods and a contract of carriage. The term "clean" means that the goods have been received in good order and condition, and the carrier assumes full responsibility for their safe transport to the destination. It is an important document in international trade as it is used to prove ownership of the goods and to facilitate payment by the buyer to the seller.