Customs documents
Every cross-border shipment carries documents. Some are universal (invoice, packing list); others are category-specific (phytosanitary, veterinary, end-use certificate, prescription). Missing or incorrect documents are the single most common reason for customs holds.
Universal documents
- Commercial invoice — seller, buyer, description, HS code, origin, value.
- Packing list — line items + quantities + weights + dimensions.
- Transport document — Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L).
- Customs declaration — filed at destination by importer of record or broker.
Trade preference documents
- Certificate of Origin — required to claim FTA preferential duty.
- Origin declaration — exporter's self-declaration; some FTAs accept this.
Sector-specific documents
- Phytosanitary certificate — plants, seeds, wood, certain food.
- Veterinary health certificate — animal-origin food, live animals.
- Prescription / doctor's letter — medication, especially controlled substances.
- Import licence — weapons, certain chemicals, dual-use goods.
- End-use certificate — dual-use export-control regime.
- CITES permit — endangered-species derived materials.
- CE / FCC / SASO / etc. — product-compliance for electronics.
- DG declaration — IATA / IMDG / ADR for dangerous goods.