International shipping is a complex undertaking as it involves moving goods across borders via sea, air, or land. With numerous regulations, customs procedures, and documentation requirements varying from country to country, it's a challenging process. These regulations safeguard economies, citizen safety, and the environment, while customs procedures ensure legal compliance and proper duty assessment.
Qianhai Wedo Logistics has over 10 years of experience in international shipping. Through countless encounters with challenges, we've amassed deep knowledge and strategies to help clients navigate the complexities and ensure smooth shipments.
Here are 10 important documents for international shipping:
• Commercial Invoice: It's a legal record of the exporter-importer sale, detailing the shipped goods. Customs uses it to assess duties and taxes. For example, when importing electronics, it specifies models, quantity, and price for accurate tax calculation.
• Packing List: Accompanies the shipment, listing contents with item details, quantity, and packaging. It works with other documents for proper handling. Like in a clothing shipment, it shows what's in each box.
• Bill of Lading: Vital for ocean freight and others, it acts as a receipt, sometimes a title of ownership, a contractual agreement, and evidence in disputes. It outlines shipment terms. If goods are damaged, it helps determine liability.
• Air Waybill: For airfreight, it serves as a carriage contract and receipt, documenting cargo details. Airlines rely on it. For perishable goods, it notes special handling needs.
• Certificate of Origin: Issued by authorized bodies, it certifies where goods are from. There are non-preferential and preferential types. The latter helps get trade benefits under agreements, reducing import duties.
• Export License: A government-issued authorization for certain goods/technologies. It controls exports of sensitive items for security, economy, etc. High-tech semiconductors may need one.
• Import License: Government permission to import specific goods. Governments use it to regulate imports for various reasons like protecting domestic industries. Agricultural products might require it.
• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction: Given by the shipper to freight forwarder/carrier, it guides shipment handling, covering shipping method, packaging, and special instructions. For delicate artworks, it specifies careful handling.
• Insurance Certificate: Proof of insurance coverage from insurer/agent, detailing policy terms. It's crucial if goods are damaged during transit, determining financial protection.
• Dangerous Goods Declaration: Needed for hazardous materials, it details their properties, quantity, packaging, and handling precautions. It ensures safety and compliance with regulations.
In conclusion, while these are key documents, additional ones may be needed depending on situations. Qianhai Wedo's global fulfillment network reduces extra documentation for international orders. We also assist with handling hazardous materials in domestic operations for a smooth shipping experience.
Hot News
EN
