Chapter 13 – Shipper process

1. Chapter 13 – Shipper process Extra notes International Trade Documents (Business Logistics Management)

2. Transaction documents • The key transaction document is the commercial invoice. • All parties to the transaction use this document for invoicing, cost accounting, and bookkeeping purposes. • It is also required for export and import formalities and for most banking and payment procedures.

3. Export documents • These are documents required by the customs or export authority of the country of export. • Export documents include licences, permits, export declarations, inspection certificates, the commercial invoice, and sometimes transport documents.

4. Inspection documents • These documents are usually issued by (third party) inspection firms acting on behalf of the buyer to certify the physical condition and quantities of the content of a consignment. • Inspection documents are also issued to meet export and import requirements and health and safety regulations.

5. Inspection documents • In certain countries and for certain commodities, the health and safety inspection certificate must be issued by an appropriate government entity or by a government-accredited inspection body.

6. Insurance documents • These documents describe the exact insurance coverage of a consignment and can be in the form of an insurance policy contract or certificate.

7. Financial documents • These include banking and payment documents such as letters of credit, amendments to letters of credit, and financial advice pertaining to a transaction. • To conclude the financial aspects of an international goods transaction, virtually all the other documents used in international trade (e.g. bill of lading, commercial invoice, insurance documents, and inspection certificate) must be available.

8. Import documents • These are documents required by the customs authority of the country of import. • The minimum requirement is an entry form and a commercial invoice. • Additional documents may be required if: • the imported merchandise is sensitive (e.g. live animals, dangerous goods, drugs, foodstuff); • the importer is requesting special tariff treatment under an import programme; or • the goods are imported from certain countries.

9. Transport documents • These documents — issued by the transport operator or non-operating service provider— detail the terms of transport. • The key transport document is the bill of lading. A packing list often supplements the bill of lading.