September 26, 2023

Documents for international cargo transportation

Some essential documents for international goods transportation:

  • Commercial Invoice: This document provides a detailed description of the goods being shipped, including the quantity, value, customs code and terms of sale. It is also used for customs purposes and provides essential information for customs clearance, import duties, and taxes
     
  • Packing List: A packing list itemizes the contents of each package or container, including details such as the product names, quantities, weights, and dimensions. It assists in verifying the contents during customs inspections and aids in inventory management
     
  • Transport document:
    - CMR document: Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road. A CMR note is a document that's used to standardize the conditions of international road transport. It also defines the carrier's responsibilities and applies to countries that accept the CMR conventio

    - Bill of Lading (B/L): A bill of lading is a contract between the shipper and the carrier that acknowledges receipt of the goods, outlines the terms of transportation, and serves as a receipt. There are different types of bill of lading, including negotiable and non-negotiable versions, depending on the specific requirements and type of transportation:

    1. Air Waybill (AWB): An air waybill is a document used for airfreight shipments. It acts as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline, detailing the origin, destination, and routing of the goods. It also serves as a receipt for the shipment

    2. Sea Waybill: A sea waybill is a non-negotiable document that serves as evidence of the contract of carriage for ocean freight shipments. It includes details about the shipper, consignee, and the terms of transportation
  • Certificate of Origin: This document verifies the origin of the goods and may be required to determine eligibility for preferential tariff rates under free trade agreements or to comply with import regulations of the destination country
     
  • Insurance Certificate (in case cargo transportation insurance is required/contracted): An insurance certificate provides evidence of insurance coverage for the goods during transit. It includes details of the insurance policy, terms of shipment and the insured value
     
  • Export/Import Licenses and Permits: Depending on the nature of the goods, certain countries may require specific licenses or permits for export or import. These documents ensure compliance with regulatory requirements
     
  • Customs Declarations: Customs declarations include documents such as the Single Administrative Document (SAD) or customs entry forms, which provide information about the goods, their value, and other relevant details required by customs authorities
     
  • Letter of Credit (L/C): In some cases, when payment is made through a letter of credit, the L/C serves as a financial document, ensuring that the terms of payment are met based on the agreed conditions


It's important to note that the specific documents required may vary based on the country of origin, destination, mode of transportation, and the nature of the goods being shipped. Don’t hesitate to contact us in order to ensure compliance with the specific documentation requirements for your international goods transportation.