Glossary—shipping documents Glossary—shipping documents
| GISTnet | Table of Contents | Glossary | CFR | Exhibits | Referrals | Countries | My Page | Help |
A very general term used to collectively describe the various documents which are the responsibility of a shipper/exporter and/or freight forwarder to provide or obtain so that the consignee/importer and/or destination customs broker can arrange customs clearance and delivery of the cargo. Shipping documents always include the shipper's commercial invoice (or a pro-forma invoice with a value for customs purposes if goods are not sold), a packing list (if the packing configuration is not detailed on or obvious from the commercial invoice), and an original bill of lading or other contract of carriage (if an original was issued – otherwise a copy of the contract of carriage). In addition, depending upon the trade terms, nature of the goods and destination country, shipping documents may also include a certificate of origin, a customs or consular invoice, a marine cargo insurance certificate, a phytosanitary inspection certificate, inspection certificate, and other specialized documents as may be required by the destination country, the shipper, and/or the L/C. Good practice also dictates that a document transmittal letter from the shipper or forwarder be used to forward shipping documents.