A Guide to Documents and Terms Used in Export Import Business

Sometimes the reason that the export andcountry to the action to be taken in the event
import business seem so difficult to many arethe address is not found or the shipment is not
because of the complexities related to variousaccepted.
documents needed in international trade. Here is a- Commercial invoice is prepared by the exporter
simple guide to those who are oftenfor the actual amount that the goods have been
overwhelmed by trade jargon.traded for.
Export documents are required to comply with- Consular invoice is required by countries like
the import regulations of the country where youKenya, Tanzania, Mauritius, New Zealand, Fiji etc.
are shipping to. They are evidence of theand is signed by the counsel of the importing
manufacturing country and also secure yourcountry which is located in the exporter's country.
payment through a letter of credit. Some- Customs invoice required by USA, Canada etc is
important ones are mentioned below:a special form prepared by the importing country
- Shipping Bill or Bill of Export is the mainto import goods at a preferential rate.
document required by the customs authority of a- Legalized Invoice is proof of the genuineness of
country for making the shipment possible. It is athe exporter before the embassy.
kind of certificate that is issued by the shipping- Certified Invoice proves the origin of a particular
agent representing the ship's owner, seller, buyergoods and the place of manufacturing and packing.
and other parties involved.- Packing list contains the details of goods being
- Customs Declaration form is prescribed by theshipped.
universal postal union an international body. It is- A Manufacturer's certificate may also be
signed by the sender of goods.required sometimes in addition to the certificate
- Dispatch note by the exporter gives instructionof origin to confirm that manufacturing has been
to the postal department of the importingdone.