Preparing a shipment is easy when doing just around your country. You must know what types of export documents to prepare for successful shipment, especially since your business is expanding internationally now. To eliminate shipments held that cause delays, submit all the needed export documents for smooth delivery.
Common export documents
Start with the air freight o to know which documents are processed for an export shipment. You can help your customers to efficiently clear goods with customs by securing the correct information.
Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice contains the details of the buyer and the good’s exporter. It is stating the goods sold and the amount paid by the customer.
Customs duties are assessed by determining the real value of the goods through the commercial invoice. The government using the commercial invoice in controlling imports specifies the following:
- form
- content
- number of copies
- language to be used
- other characteristics
The commercial invoice is a required document for the import and export clearance process. Sometimes, it is used for foreign exchange purposes.
The invoice serves as a document used by customs to assess import duties and taxes in the buyer’s country. Before completing the commercial invoice for the new export destination, consult with reliable sources.
Packing list
The packing list is more informative. The details you will see on the packing list are more detailed than the usual domestic packing list. The export packing list lists the following details:
- seller
- buyer
- shipper
- invoice number
- date of shipment
- mode of transport
- carrier
- itemizes quantity
- description
- type of package
- number of packages
- total net and gross weight
- package marks and dimensions
The packing list forms will be carried by the freight forwarders during the shipment. It can be used as a follow up document or a substitute for the commercial invoice.
Certification of origin
Free trade agreements shipments
The product must be certified for benefits shipped to the free trade agreements of partner countries.
Standard shipments
Certification of origin is required by some countries. The certificate is required, even if the commercial invoice has the same info.
Transportation documents
Air waybill
Air freight shipments need airway bills, accompanied by goods shipped by the international air carrier. The document contains the detailed information about the shipment for tracking purposes. The airway bills and shipper-specific documents are fixed, the contain information is not negotiable.
Bill of Lading
A bill of lading is an agreement of the carrier and owner of goods. It has two common types of ocean or sea shipments, such as:
- straight bill of lading (non-negotiable)
- shipper’s order bill of lading (negotiable)
The customer needs the original bill of lading as proof of ownership of the goods to present.
Conclusion
The common list of export documents must be complied with for successful export shipment.