Document Checklist

Generate a shipping document checklist based on trade direction and country pair. Tick off items as you prepare them.

• Commercial InvoiceRequired

  Primary customs document listing seller, buyer, goods, HS code, values, and Incoterms.

  💡 Tip: List each line item with a clear description — customs vague descriptions often trigger inspection.

• Packing ListRequired

  Itemized list of carton contents, dimensions, and weights — keyed to the invoice.

  💡 Tip: Include gross and net weight per carton and total CBM. Carriers and customs both rely on this.

• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB)Required

  Transport document issued by the carrier. B/L for sea, AWB for air, CMR for road.

  💡 Tip: Original B/L = title to goods. Keep originals secure; telex release speeds up pickup.

• Certificate of OriginRequired

  Certifies where the goods were manufactured. May unlock preferential duty under an FTA.

  💡 Tip: Form A, EUR.1, or specific FTA forms depending on origin and destination. Get the right one.

• Import / Export DeclarationRequired

  Filed with customs in origin and destination countries (e.g. EX-1, ENS, ISF, ACI).

  💡 Tip: In the US, ISF 10+2 must be filed 24h before lading. Late filings are fined $5,000/shipment.

• Insurance CertificateIf applicable

  Evidence of cargo insurance coverage during transit.

  💡 Tip: Under CIF/CIP the seller provides this. Otherwise, buyer arranges — don't skip this on expensive cargo.

• Letter of Credit (L/C) or Payment EvidenceIf applicable

  Used when payment is via bank instrument. Required by some exchange controls.

  💡 Tip: Match invoice, B/L, and packing list wording exactly — banks reject L/C drafts on minor discrepancies.

• Inspection / Pre-Shipment CertificateIf applicable

  Third-party inspection report (SGS, BV, Intertek) — required by many African and LATAM countries.

  💡 Tip: Mandatory for imports into Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, Ecuador, Indonesia (SNI) and others.

• Phytosanitary CertificateIf applicable

  For plants, wood packaging, food of plant origin. Issued by the exporting country's plant authority.

  💡 Tip: ISPM-15 stamp required on all solid wood packaging globally. Missing stamp = container rejected.

• Health / Veterinary CertificateIf applicable

  For animal products, processed food, pharmaceuticals.

  💡 Tip: FDA prior notice is required for food imports into the US, at least 4 hours before arrival.

• Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)If applicable

  For lithium batteries, chemicals, flammables. Follows IMDG (sea) or IATA (air) rules.

  💡 Tip: Li-ion batteries: UN3480 (standalone) vs UN3481 (with equipment) — misclassification = carrier refusal.

• Export LicenseIf applicable

  For dual-use items, controlled goods, or restricted destinations.

  💡 Tip: Check the destination against OFAC, EU sanctions, and BIS entity lists before shipping.