The paperwork that moves goods.
WHAT DOCUMENTS TYPICALLY APPEAR
A form initiating the transaction through a bank Commercial invoice Packing list Bill of lading, for sea, or air waybill, for air Certificate of origin Product certification, where required Insurance certificate Customs declaration
WHAT THE COMMERCIAL INVOICE DOES
States what is being sold, to whom, for how much, on what terms.
WHY IT MATTERS MOST
It is the basis for valuation and duty.
WHAT THE PACKING LIST DOES
Describes what is in each package.
WHAT THE TRANSPORT DOCUMENT DOES
Evidences the contract of carriage and, for sea freight, may represent title to the goods.
WHY THAT MATTERS
Without it, the goods cannot be released.
WHAT THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN DOES
States where the goods were produced.
WHY IT MATTERS
It can affect duty rates under trade arrangements.
WHAT MUST BE CONSISTENT ACROSS ALL DOCUMENTS
Descriptions Quantities Values Party names Marks and numbers
WHY CONSISTENCY IS CRITICAL
Any discrepancy stops clearance and triggers queries.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE SHIPMENT
Obtain draft documents and check them.
WHY BEFORE
Corrections after shipment are slow and sometimes impossible.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every document, for the retention period.
