§ 306 Fraudulent Shipping Documents

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says that if you make or sign a fake shipping paper (like a manifest, invoice, bill of lading, ship’s register, or protest) to trick someone, you can be charged with a felony.

Key Takeaways

•Making or signing a false shipping document is illegal.
•You must intend to defraud another person for the law to apply.
•The crime is classified as a felony, which is a serious offense.

Example

A seller creates a false invoice for a shipment that never left the warehouse and sends it to a buyer to collect payment.

Because the seller made a fake invoice on purpose to cheat the buyer, the law says the seller could be charged with a felony.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 306 Fraudulent Shipping Documents

A person who prepares, makes, or subscribes a false or fraudulent manifest, invoice, bill of lading, ship’s register, or protest, with intent to defraud another, is guilty of a felony. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 610, Sec. 24. (SB 717) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

false or fraudulent manifest intent to defraud felony

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 306.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References