5 Common Types of Export Documentation You Should Know About

If you have successfully secured international trade, the next step is to ship your goods to the foreign buyer. The process is simpler today with the latest range of export documentation software and international trade software. Learn more about how goods can be shipped to benefit people and business that help facilitate the movement of your goods. Exporting physical goods moving between water bodies is risky and expensive. Hence, it should be done properly.

In such a scenario, exporters should be aware of the necessary export documents used for shipping goods. Thus, it is crucial to understand these documents for success.

Here’s a list of export documentation:

#1: Bill of Lading

It is the first vital document required for international trade. International trade software now provides this certificate online. It represents a contract between the goods owner and the carrier. It also states what goods are a part of the shipment, where it is going, and from where it started. Upon picking up the shipment, the carrier issues a bill of lading as a receipt.

#2: Manufacturer Certificate

This certificate is a notarized document that states all goods were produced by the certified company. It also certifies that the goods fulfill general requirements of products and are ready to be shipped.

#3: Certificate of Origin

Manufacturer prepares this certificate, which is further acknowledged and stamped by the chamber of commerce or a government identity of the respective state. It is used for identifying the manufacturer’s country where goods are produced.

#4: Commercial Invoice

Commercial invoice is a document that describes the export transaction from start to end, including all the terms of shipping. It is a vital document given when the international sale is complete and goods are packed and ready for shipping. This document is very important as it contains critical information as well as instructions for all parties involved in the trade including buyers, foreign customs, freight forwarders, import brokers, carriers, banks etc.

#5: Consular Invoice

It is a form available through consular representatives of the country you want to ship your goods to. It certifies that the shipment of goods is necessary. Although this document is not needed in all countries, it is mainly used by emerging nations to facilitate customs and tax collection.

With the help of the latest export shipment software, international trade software, and export documentation software, it is now much easier to process documents.