Commerce · Ch 26 — Export and Import Procedures
Documents Used in Export Trade
Documents Used in Export Trade
A large number of documents pass between the exporter, the importer, the banks, the carrier and the customs authorities. Each document has a definite purpose — some describe the goods, some serve customs, some transfer title, some cover risk, and some collect payment. The most important export documents are set out below.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | The exporter's bill for the goods; states the description, quantity, price and terms of the sale. It is the basic document that the other documents are checked against. |
| Packing List | Gives the details of how the goods are packed — contents, weight and marks of each package — so the consignment can be checked easily. |
| Shipping Bill | The main customs document that the exporter (or C&F agent) must submit to obtain customs clearance for export; without it the goods cannot be loaded for shipment. |
| Mate's Receipt | A receipt issued by the officer (mate) of the ship acknowledging that the goods have been received and loaded on board; it is later exchanged for the bill of lading. |
| Bill of Lading | Issued by the shipping company for goods sent by sea. It is (a) a receipt for the goods, (b) evidence of the contract of carriage, and (c) a document of title to the goods — whoever lawfully holds it can claim the goods at the destination. |
| Airway Bill | The corresponding document for goods sent by air; a receipt and evidence of the contract of carriage issued by the airline. |
| Certificate of Origin | Certifies the country in which the goods were produced or manufactured; the importer needs it to claim any preferential customs treatment and to satisfy his country's import rules. |
| Marine Insurance Policy | The contract of insurance covering the goods against the perils of transit (sea/air); it protects the party who bears the risk during carriage. |
| Bill of Exchange | The instrument the exporter uses to collect payment through the banking channel; it is an order in writing requiring the importer to pay the stated amount either on sight or on a future date. |
A document issued by the shipping company for goods sent by sea that is simultaneously a receipt for the goods, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title to the goods; the corresponding air- …
A written order by the exporter (drawer) requiring the importer (drawee) to pay a stated sum, on sight or on a future date; used with the shipping documents to collect the export pay …
A document certifying the country in which the exported goods were produced or manufactured, required by the importing country's authorities and for claiming any pr …