Each country has different document requirements for inbound shipments. Usually, international shipments should be accompanied by a Bill of Lading, and/or Shipper's Letter of Instruction, a commercial invoice, a packing list and a certificate of origin. For specific document requirements for international freight shipments, please contact your freight forwarder


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.


Consular Invoice is a document that is required in some countries. It describes the shipment of goods and shows information such as the consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. Certified by the consular official of the foreign country stationed here, it is used by the country's customs officials to verify the value, quantity, and nature of the shipment.


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


Inspection Certification is required by some purchasers and countries in order to attest to the specifications of the goods shipped. This is usually performed by a third party and often obtained from independent testing organizations.


Dock Receipt and Warehouse Receipt are used to transfer accountability when the export item is moved by the domestic carrier to the port of embarkation or warehouse and left with the ship line or forwarding agent for export.


Destination Control Statement appears on the commercial invoice, and ocean or air waybill of lading to notify the carrier and all foreign parties that the item can be exported only to certain destinations.


Shipper's Letter of Instructions is the shipping instructions to the forwarder or carrier from the shipper or exporter.


An Export License is a government document that authorizes the export of specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination. This document may be required for most or all exports to some countries or for other countries only under special circumstances.


An Export License is a government document that authorizes the export of specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination. This document may be required for most or all exports to some countries or for other countries only under special circumstances.


A Packing List itemizes the material in each individual package and indicates the type of package, such as a box, bales, crate, drum, or carton. It also shows the individual net, legal, tare, and gross weights and measurements for each package. 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, foreign customs officials may use the list to check the cargo.


A Cargo Insurance Certificate is used to assure the consignee that insurance will cover the loss of or damage to the cargo during transit. Documentation must be precise, because slight discrepancies or omissions may prevent merchandise from being exported, result in non-payment, or even result in the seizure of the exporter's goods by foreign government Customs. Collection or proper documents are subject to precise time limits and may not be honoured by a bank if the time has expired.


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, the exporter or importer must be careful to provide all proper documentation. For additional documentation requirements or information pertaining to foreign or domestic, export or import restrictions, please contact your freight forwarder.