What Shipping Documents Do You Require?

Importers/Buyers should seriously consider having Ocean / AiR Logistics handle the documentation required, since Your  Service Specialists are highly knowledgeable in export and import regulations & procedures. The following documents are commonly used in exporting and importing goods. However, the specific documentation necessary in a particular transaction depends on the requirements of the different countries.

Air freight shipments are handled by Air Waybills (AWB) which is a contract between the shipper and airline that states the terms and conditions of air transportation and can never be made in negotiable form.

Ocean Bill of Lading (B/L) is a receipt for cargo in transit, and a contract between the exporter and an ocean carrier for transportation and delivery of goods to a specified party at a specified foreign destination. The Ocean Bill of Lading is Issued after the vessel has sailed and the cargo has been entered in the ship's manifest.
 

Commercial Invoice is a bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. These invoices are often used by governments to determine the true value of goods when assessing customs duties. Governments that use the commercial invoice to control imports will often specify its form, content, number of copies, language to be used, and other characteristics.

Packing List itemizes the material in each individual package and indicates the type of package, such as a box, crate, drum, or carton. It also shows the individual net, legal, tare, and gross weights and measurements for each package (in both U.S. and metric systems). Package markings should be shown along with the shipper's and buyer's references. The list is used by the shipper or forwarding agent to determine the total shipment weight and volume and whether the correct cargo is being shipped. In addition, U.S. and foreign customs officials may use the list to check the cargo.

Certificate of Origin is a document that is required in certain nations. It is a signed statement as to the origin of the export item. Certificate of origin are usually signed through a semiofficial organization, such as a local chamber of commerce. A certificate may still be required even if the commercial invoice contains the information.

The number and kind of documents the exporter must deal with varies depending on the origin & destination of the shipment and description of the goods. Because each country has different import regulations. For additional documentation requirements or information pertaining to foreign or domestic, export or import restrictions, please contact  your Service Specialist or your freight agent.