List Of Documents Required For Customs Clearance

Whether it’s for export or import, customs clearance is required for any commercial cargo. The process of customs clearance mainly involves making several documents that are submitted physically or electronically with the consignment. In this blog, we will briefly discuss the list of documents required for customs clearance. 

 

 

 

Types of documents 

Several documents are used for both export and import customs clearance services. The list of documents needed for export customs clearance include: 

• ProForma Invoice 
• Customs packing List 
• COO or Country of Origin certificate 
• Commercial invoice 
• Shipping bill 
• Airway bill or bill of lading 
• Sight bill 
• Credit letter 
• Exchange bill 
• Export license 
• Warehouse receipt 
• Health certificates

The list of documents needed for import customs clearance include: 

• Entry bill 
• Commercial invoice 
• Airway bill or Lading bill 
• Import license 
• Insurance certificate 
• LC or Letter of Credit 
• Literature or Technical Write-up (Required for specific goods only) 
• Industrial License (for special goods) 
• Test report (optional) 
• RCMC Registration and membership certificate 
• Declaration form 
• License for duty

Here we will discuss major customs documents in brief 

ProForma Invoice

A proforma invoice is an essential quotation of the commercial transaction. This is a legal document used by the purchaser to manage sale terms and prices. This invoice has the essential function of indicating a quotation. Key features of a ProForma Invoice include: 

• Price commitment 
• Proforma Invoice Payment 
• Delivery terms 
• Shipment mode 
• Expected time for delivery

Customs packing list

The list of customs packing is used in overseas trade. As the name implies, it consists of information about the exported goods. The Customs packing list is mainly glued to the shipment. This list mainly contains:

• Exporter details 
• Consignee details 
• Invoice number 
• Reference number 
• Country of origin 
• Vessel name 
• Pre-carriage mode 
• Place of receipt 
• Place of delivery 
• Shipment physical info 
• Authorized Signatory

Certificate of origin

The certificate of origin or COO is also used in international trade. This certificate is signed and issued by an authorized representative or exporter. The certificate of origin is categorised into 2 types. They are preferential COO & non-preferential COO.

Commercial Invoice

Last but not the least, a commercial invoice is a type of legal document used to process agreements. This invoice is mandatory for air freight, sea freight and incoterms shipments.

The importance of these documents is huge. The documents mainly depend on the type of products being shipped. Country of origin and cargo destination is also required for the documentation.