Relevant Documents for Import and Export

Commercial Invoice

In addition to the seller and buyer, the commercial invoice must also contain information on the delivery conditions (Incoterm / cross-references Factbook articles), port of loading and unloading, article description (possibly including serial or batch number), terms of payment, number of pieces, unit price, total price and, in the case of several articles, a separate list in each case. Ideally, the HS code (customs tariff number) is also already noted. The designation "proforma invoice" is not permissible!

Packing List

In addition to the seller and buyer, the packing list must also contain information on the delivery conditions (Incoterm / cross-references Factbook articles), article description (possibly including serial or batch number), shipping marks (if available), port of loading and unloading, number of packages (cartons, pallets, boxes, etc.), net and gross weights and, in the case of several articles, a separate list for each. Ideally, the HS code (customs tariff number) should also be noted.

Import Licence

Specific import licences are required for certain products. These must be applied for and approved by the authorities before organising the transport. Be sure to check with your manufacturer whether this applies to your product before concluding a purchase contract.

Bill of Lading (Ocean Bill of Lading / Airwaybill / Rail waybill)

The mode of transport-specific bill of lading is issued by the forwarding agent or, in the case of so-called direct shipments, by the shipping company, airline or rail operator. In addition to details of the consignor and consignee, it also contains the relevant shipment data (type of goods, number of packages, cubage, net and gross weight), shipping marks, HS Code (customs tariff number), routing information, ship name or flight/train number, freight payable (prepaid or collect). Depending on the prior agreement with the consignor, either original documents or waybills are prepared. In the case of original documents, these must be complete at the time of arrival in order to release the goods.

For the export of goods, an export accompanying document (ABD) is required in addition to the commercial invoice and the packing list or - if required - certifications (e.g. "wooden packing declaration" for proof of fumigated / heat-treated wooden packaging). This document is applied for at the responsible customs office and includes, in addition to the shipper and recipient data, all product- or goods-specific data relevant to the export.