Export document checklist
Tell it the destination, the product, the Incoterm and how you get paid, and it returns the documents to prepare, who issues each one and when to ask for it.
Almost no export is held up by a difficult document: it is held up by one nobody knew was needed, or one signed by a third party on their own timetable and requested too late. This list is ordered by when each thing is due — decided at quoting, requested weeks ahead, issued at loading — and says who issues it, which is the information that prevents the Friday afternoon phone call.
What to prepare · 13
When you quote
- EORI numberYou issue it
When the order is confirmed
- Importer tax ID and licencesYour customer
- Review of the credit before producingYou issue it
- Text of the letter of creditYour customer
Weeks before loading
- Cargo insuranceYou issue it
- Chamber of commerce certificate of originAuthority or certifying body · Recommended
At loading
- Bill of ladingFreight forwarder or customs broker
- Export declarationFreight forwarder or customs broker
- Commercial invoiceYou issue it
- Full set of transport document originalsFreight forwarder or customs broker
- Packing listYou issue it
- Wood packaging treated and marked to ISPM 15You issue it · Recommended
Afterwards, for the file
- Confirmation that the goods have exitedFreight forwarder or customs broker
A working list, not a ruling. Exact requirements depend on the destination country, your tariff heading and what the parties agree: your customs representative and the country authority confirm them. This tells you what to ask and who to ask, in time.
Every shipment with its full file
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