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What Documents Are Needed for International Shipping?
Overseas shipping can be very complicated, but much hassle goes away with proper documentation. Knowing what paperwork you need and how and where to get it can mean the difference between a smooth delivery with no useless delays or problems.

What are the required documents for international shipping?

Shipping goods to an international destination could always be very tricky, but the process became much smoother with the right documents. Understanding and preparing that necessary paperwork is key in ensuring your shipment reaches its destination country without further delays or other problems.

Commercial Invoice

Probably the most important document in international shipping is the commercial invoice. This is an itemized description of what has been shipped, including quantity, value, and terms of sale, which the customs authorities will use to compute duties and taxes; therefore, accuracy is very critical.

Packing List

Packing list is an explanatory document that states everything contained in shipment boxes. It indicates how much things weigh, what their sizes are and even indicates packaging employed for goods. However, certain nations do not require packing lists yet customs officers may use it to know about the contents of parcels you send.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The Bill of Lading is a contract entered into by the carrier and the shipper. It serves as alright receipt, proof that there exists a contract regarding carriage and a document signifying ownership upon those goods. There are many kinds of Bills of Lading including; an ocean bill of lading which is used in sea shipment or air waybills meant for air transportation.

Certificate of Origin

A Certificate of Origin is a certificate that verifies the place of manufacturing. It may be requested from the customs officials in the receiving nation, in order to substantiate one`s rights to importation at lower or favored tax rates depending on trade agreement stipulations. In some nations, the CO will be required for every shipment while in others only specific types of products require it.

Export License

In some situations, it is necessary to acquire an export permit however when sending certain kinds of merchandise to specific countries. The government issues this document allowing for the sale of limited goods abroad. Always make certain that there's a need for the license before dispatching your cargo.

Insurance Certificate

An insurance certificate serves as evidence that your items are covered by insurance while in transit. This paper holds significance if there’s any destruction or disappearance along the way of shipment.
In order for everything related to international shipping not to clog any system in the country of destination, it is important to prepare the necessary documents properly.