What are the documentation requirements for international shipping?

Documentation requirements for international shipping can vary based on the type of goods, destination country, and mode of transportation. However, here are some common documents often required for shipment: 01. PI/ Sales Contract/ LC 02.Import/Export License (IRC,ERC) 03.Packing List 04.Commercial Invoice 05.Certificate of Origin 06.EXP (Export Permission) 07.Insurance Certificate. 08.Customs Declaration. 09.Bill of Entry. 10.BL(Bill of Lading), AWB( Airway bill) 11.Phytosanitary Certificate.(If applicable). 12. Fumigation Certificate.(If applicable) 13.VGM(Verified Gross Mass) applicable for sea mode

When drawing up a commercial invoice, it is very important to have accurate, legible, and understandable information. In my humble opinion, the most important elements that need to be clear and accurate are: -description: it needs to be thorough to the point that that the customs broker/freight forwarder can determine a suitable HTS code, and for the customs officials and, -valuation: the declared value of the merchandise is critical, as it will determine the appropriate duty amount owed to customs. Recently, importers under-valuing their shipments in the EU, and authorities are taking this quite seriously and are now taking action to identify and fine importers who knowingly under-value their merchandise below known fair-market value.

A commercial invoice is probably the most important shipping document. It′s always a requirement. A proper commercial invoice details the shipped merchandise and codes each line according to a uniform harmonized customs system, with the unit prices, currency, unit of measurements and quantity. The commercial invoice must also reflect the commercial identifications of the SELLER and BUYER, invoice number and date, purchasing condition, contract or order number, country of origin, payment data and methods. Also, it will be needed to detail the freight and expenses regarding to the incoterms selected for the operation.

1) Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between the buyer and the seller. 2) Packing List: Provides information about the contents, weights, and dimensions of each package. 3) Bill of Lading (B/L): A receipt and contract for the transportation of the goods. 4)Certificate of Origin: Specifies the country where the goods are produced. 5) Customs Declaration or Entry Form: Required by customs to assess duties and taxes. 6) Insurance Certificate: Provides evidence of insurance coverage for the shipment. 7) Import/Export License: Depending on the nature of the goods and countries involved. 8) Proforma Invoice: Similar to a commercial invoice but used for pre-payment and as a bank transfer documentation.

1) Commercial Invoice: Details the transaction between the buyer and the seller. 2) Packing List: Provides information about the contents, weights, and dimensions of each package. 3) Bill of Lading (B/L): A receipt and contract for the transportation of the goods. 4)Certificate of Origin: Specifies the country where the goods are produced. 5) Customs Declaration or Entry Form: Required by customs to assess duties and taxes. 6) Insurance Certificate: Provides evidence of insurance coverage for the shipment. 7) Import/Export License: Depending on the nature of the goods and countries involved. 8) Proforma Invoice: Similar to a commercial invoice but used for pre-payment and as a bank transfer documentation.

Imagine shipping Dangerous Goods and navigating through a labyrinth of rules. Take Saudi Arabia as an instance. Beyond the basic Declaration of Dangerous Goods, they add a sprinkle of their own - one that truly catches your eye: (SAG-02) The shipper of any dangerous goods by AIR must provide an undertaking letter to re-ship the consignment at the shipper’s cost and risk. If the shipment is not cleared and notified the consignee within ten (10) days from the arrival of the DGR shipment to any destination in Saudi Arabia. SV airlines Cargo DMM will forcedly return back the shipment to its airline point of Origin as per our NEW Rules & Regulations procedure. If you are the shipper, would you be willing to signed the undertaking letter?

It all starts with Proforma Invoice (PI) it is also a legal document on which both parties sign on the sales contract. The basics difference between a Proforma Invoice and Commercial Invoice is the signature of both parties. Rest All the details of ETD & ETA of goods, POL & POD, with rates and payment info. Other customary documents are as per shipping standards of the buying country.