10 Most Common Shipping Documents to Export

10 Most Common Shipping Documents to Export

Hey, are you looking for Exporting or importing then you need to verify some documents, but do you know which documents are required?

It is very important to verify your documents while exporting because first organizations will verify your documents for Safety and security, Identification and tracking, and Payment and billing.

So read this article completely to know it’s an important shipping document that will help you to export.


10 Most Common Shipping Documents

Shipping goods from one place to another requires a lot of paperwork, and it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the different documents that may be needed.

However, there are a few key documents that are commonly used in the shipping industry, and it’s important to be familiar with them if you’re planning to ship goods.

Here are the 10 most common shipping documents you’ll likely come across:

1- Bill of Lading (B/L)

A bill of lading is a document that serves as a contract between the shipper, carrier, and consignee. It’s a legally binding document that lists the details of the shipment, including the type and quantity of goods, the names of the parties involved, and the terms of the shipment.

2- Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a document that lists the details of the goods being shipped, including the item description, quantity, unit price, and total cost. It’s typically used for customs clearance and to calculate import duties and taxes.

3- Packing List

A packing list is a document that provides detailed information about the contents of a shipment, including the item description, quantity, and weight. It’s often used to ensure that the shipment contains the correct items and to help with customs clearance.

4- Air Waybill (AWB)

An air waybill is a document that serves as a receipt for the goods being shipped by air. It’s issued by the carrier and contains important information about the shipment, including the flight number, departure and arrival times, and the names of the parties involved.

5- Certificate of Origin

A certificate of origin is a document that certifies the place of manufacture of the goods being shipped. It’s often required for customs clearance and to determine if certain tariffs or trade agreements apply.

6- Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

A shipper’s export declaration is a document that’s required by the U.S. government for all shipments valued at $2,500 or more. It provides important information about the shipment, including the type and value of goods, the destination, and the names of the parties involved.

7- Dangerous Goods Declaration

A dangerous goods declaration is a document that’s required for the shipment of dangerous goods, such as chemicals, explosives, or radioactive materials. It provides important information about the nature of the goods and the precautions that need to be taken during transport.

8- Insurance Certificate

An insurance certificate is a document that provides proof of insurance for the shipment. It’s typically issued by the insurance company and includes important details about the coverage, such as the type of insurance and the value of the goods.

9- Phytosanitary Certificate

A phytosanitary certificate is a document that’s required for the shipment of plants and plant products. It certifies that the goods have been inspected and found to be free from pests and diseases.

10- Bill of Exchange

A bill of exchange is a document that’s used to make a payment for the goods being shipped. It’s typically issued by the buyer and includes important details about the payment, such as the amount, the due date, and the names of the parties involved.

These are the 10 most common shipping documents that you’ll likely come across when shipping goods. It’s important to be familiar with them and to make sure that all the required documents are in order before shipping your goods.


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