Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading is the most important freight document. Issued by the shipping carrier, it serves as a contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title.
Original B/L: Three originals are typically issued. You must surrender at least one to collect your cargo. Keep originals secure — losing them creates serious problems.
Telex Release / Express B/L: Electronic equivalent. No physical surrender required at destination. Much faster and now industry standard for trusted trading relationships.
Straight vs. Order B/L: Straight B/L names a specific consignee. Order B/L can be endorsed and transferred (used in letters of credit).
Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is your primary document for customs clearance. It must include: seller and buyer details, description of goods, quantity and unit price, total value and currency, Incoterm and place of delivery, country of origin, and HS Code.
Customs use the commercial invoice to calculate import duties, so accuracy is critical. Undervaluing or misdescribing goods is illegal and can result in cargo seizure and penalties.
Packing List
The packing list details the physical contents of each package in the shipment: number of packages, gross and net weight per package, dimensions, and description of contents.
It's used by customs inspectors to verify the shipment matches the commercial invoice, and by the destination warehouse to check cargo is complete.
Certificate of Origin
This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured. It's required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., GSP, CPTPP, RCEP).
Most countries accept a standard form. The EU uses EUR.1 for certain agreements. Some countries require Chamber of Commerce authentication.
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