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"...Countries that require a 'consular invoice' also require a 'commercial invoice' as proof of your export shipment..." Documentation for ExportWhen a firm sells its goods abroad, it must arrange for each export shipment to be accompanied by various documents. Depending on the country to which the goods are being sent, these documents will include some or all of the following: consular invoice, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading, packing list, health certificate, import license, and insurance certificate. In general, their purpose is to provide the foreign Customs authority with a complete, detailed description of the goods so that the correct import duty can be levied. Sometimes they are required for the administration of exchange control regulations or import quotas and depending on the product, to safeguard public and animal health and prevent the spread of plant diseases. Statistical information about a country's imports is also based on these documents. Failure to complete the forms properly may lead to a fine and/or unnecessary delay in clearing the goods through foreign Customs. If the information given is found false, heavier fines may be imposed and/or the goods confiscated. The preparation of such documentation is one of the tasks of an export firm's or of a shipping agent, known as a freight forwarder whose services may be employed for a fee. In addition to the documents required by the foreign country, the exporter must also provide an export declaration. |
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This is a form, usually obtainable only from the Consulate of the importing country, on which the exporter or its agent must enter a detailed description of the goods being shipped. Such a form is required by certain countries.
There must be no erasures or "strike-over" in typing, pen-and-ink changes, or additions. In some countries, the goods must be described in terms of the customs tariff of the importing country and the tariff number of the items given. Export Trade Barriers Most countries requiring consular invoice also insist that the document be "legalized" that is, have its accuracy sworn to by the exporter or its agent at the consulate of the importing country.
Commercial Invoice is the export firm's invoice, addressed to the foreign importer describing the goods shipped and the total price that it must pay. However, some countries require the commercial invoice to be prepared on their own forms. Such forms are sometimes called customs invoices. |
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