Library
Core documents (item-by-item)
Commercial invoice
The seller’s bill of sale for customs and commercial records. Must include parties, descriptions, quantities, values, currency, and ideally the Incoterm. Customs uses it to assess duty exposure.
Packing list
Piece-level detail: carton counts, marks, weights, dimensions. Used for warehouse check, inspection, and chargeable weight verification.
Bill of Lading (sea)
Ocean transport document. Functions as receipt of goods, evidence of contract of carriage, and—depending on type—a document in the delivery chain. Release method (original / telex / express) affects when cargo can be picked up.
Air Waybill (air)
Air transport document and tracking backbone for air freight from China. MAWB/HAWB structures appear in consolidated shipments.
Rail / road consignment notes
Rail and truck legs use mode-specific transport documents (and CMR where applicable for road).
Certificate of origin
Proves origin when preference programs or destination rules require it—not automatic for every shipment.
Insurance certificate
Evidence of cargo insurance when purchased; mandatory seller interest under CIF/CIP minimums.
Export license / inspection certificates
Product-specific controls for regulated goods.
Import permits / conformity documents
Destination-side requirements (standards, health, product safety) depending on commodity.
Rule
Consistency rule
Invoice · packing list · transport document piece counts and weights must align. Most “customs delays” start as data mismatches.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are must-have documents for importing from China?
Invoice vs packing list?
B/L vs AWB?
When is a certificate of origin required?
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