Certificate of origin: A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an important international trade document confirming that the goods in a particular shipment have been wholly obtained, produced, manufactured or processed in a particular country.
Commercial invoice/Shipping invoice: When used in foreign trade it is a customs document. It is used as a customs declaration provided by the person or corporation that is exporting an item across international borders. It helps determine true value of the imported goods, for assessment of duties and taxes.
Packing list: An itemized list of articles usually included in each shipping package, giving the quantity, description, and weight of the contents. Prepared by the shipper and sent to the consignee for accurate tallying of the delivered goods.
Certificate of insurance: Document issued by an insurance company, it certifies that an insurance policy has been bought and shows an abstract of the most important provisions of the insurance contract.
Test certificate for goods to show composition of the goods: A certificate issued showing an accurate analysis of the chemical composition of a material.
Certificate of conformity: A document certified by a competent authority that the supplied good or service meets the required specifications.
Material safety data sheet: Formal document containing important information about the characteristics and actual or potential hazards of a substance. It identifies the manufacturer of the material (with name, address, phone, and fax number) and usually includes e.g. chemical identity, hazardous ingredients, physical and chemical properties, fire and explosion data etc.
Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading in the international sale and movement of goods. When issued by the carrier it has three distinct functions:
- Evidence of a contract of carriage between the shipper and the carrier;
- A receipt for goods showing that they have been accepted by the carrier;
- A transferable document of title, effected through endorsement and the passing of the bill from one party to another.
Shipping Note: A shipping note is primarily used as a transport note to the hauler detailing what is to be delivered, and to where. It enables the shipper to complete a single standard document for any port of export or inland depot and provides the receiving authority with the necessary information on the goods, including any special handling and Customs instructions.
Goods received note: The functions of the goods received note are as follows: The acknowledgement of receipt of goods at the port of destination by the consignee or its authorized agent. The undertaking by the consignee that the goods were received in good order and according to the contract, thus absolving the ship owner or the port authorities from any liability to later claims for damage or theft.
Freight Bill: This is how the carrier charges for the transportation services he performs. The information contained in the bill of lading is utilized for preparation of this.
Shipping Manifest: This document is used when multiple shipments are placed on single vehicle. The document provides a comprehensive list, which informs the entire load content, making it unnecessary to view individual bills of lading as all details relating to the stops, bills of lading, weight, case count etc. for each shipment are listed in this manifest.
