Useful info
Shipping Documents
Most clearance delays start with paperwork. Here is what each document does and who is responsible for it.
Commercial Invoice
Issued by the seller. States the parties, goods, values and terms of sale, and forms the basis for customs valuation.
Packing List
Details how the shipment is packed: number of packages, marks, weights and dimensions. Used for handling and inspection.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Issued by the ocean carrier as a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage and, when negotiable, a document of title.
Air Waybill (AWB)
The non-negotiable contract of carriage for air transportation between the air carrier and the shipper.
Certificate of Origin
Evidences the origin of imported goods, commonly certified by a chamber of commerce or consular office.
Insurance Certificate
Evidences cargo insurance cover for the shipment and states the insured value and conditions.
Customs Declaration
The formal declaration lodged with customs, stating classification, value and origin for duty assessment.
Dangerous Goods Declaration
Required where goods are classified as hazardous, stating the class, packing group and handling requirements.