📚 China import course

Most customs delays are caused by missing or incorrect documents.

The essential documents for any imported shipment:

1. Commercial Invoice
The most important document. It contains:
- Seller and buyer details
- A detailed description of the goods
- The HS code of each item
- Value and currency
- Payment terms and delivery terms (Incoterm)

2. Packing List
Details the contents of every carton / container:
- Number of pieces
- Net and gross weights
- Dimensions
- Carton numbers

3. Bill of Lading (B/L)
For sea freight — the contract between the shipper and the shipping line. It proves the goods are on board the ship.

4. Airway Bill (AWB)
The equivalent of the B/L for air freight.

5. Certificate of Origin
Proves the goods were made in China. Needed to benefit from free-trade agreements and to determine the correct duty rate.

6. Insurance Certificate
Proves the goods are insured during transit.

Additional documents depending on the goods:
- Inspection Certificate: for food and chemical products
- Health Certificate: for foodstuffs
- Certificate of Conformity (COC): for some countries
- Agricultural release: for plant and animal products

Tip: keep electronic copies of all documents, filed by shipment date.