Export-Import Documentation
The acquisition of overseas customers is only the first step in selling goods abroad. The job is not complete until a consignee has physically received the consignment and the consigner has been paid. The final part of the order cycle involves completing the documentation requirements1, arranging the transport and ensuring the payment.
Every exporter can recall a horror story related to problems with documentation. Of course, some problems may be unavoidable, but in too many cases it is the exporter who has not been punctual enough in providing the required documents.
Errors in documentation cost money. The first consequence of a mistake is a delay to the consignment which may be kept in a warehouse under customs control. Whenever the delay occurs, storage charges2 will become payable almost immediately, and they have a tendency to rise as the delay extends.
The storage charges have to be payed in full. The warehouse operator will simply refuse to release the goods3 until all charges have been settled. The customs warehouses are not meant for long-term storage, that is why most customs authorities exercise their power4 to seize goods5 which have not been cleared through customs within a certain period.
The other danger of delay is the loss of confidence by the customer. Moreover, any delay in delivery will immediately lead to a deferment in settlement of the invoice, which will affect cash flow6.
Documentation for export is not complicated. Many of the forms required for importing goods are the same as for exporting. These include invoices, packing lists7, the certificate of origin8, the CMR form9, bill of lading10 and air waybill11. The first three forms are issued by the consignor, the rest should be completed by carriers.
The basic document used both in export and import is a commercial invoice. The details that will always appear in it are the names, addresses and other information about the consignor and the consignee and a full description of the goods. Other details on the invoice will be the marks and numbers of the packages, the price and terms of sale. Normally, every invoice should contain a statement about the origin of the goods and in some cases it is compulsory to state the country of origin.
The other document frequently requested is a certificate of origin, which should be completed before the goods are exported. Usually certificates of origin are obtainable from chambers of commerce.
A packing list will detail the contents of a consignment. It contains the number and kind of packages, their contents, the net and gross weight (in kilograms as a rule) and the full dimensions and total size of each package.
Vocabulary Notes on the Text
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3 to release the goods - ; "", "" .
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11 air waybill - .
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