Every international operation relies on documents that prove the transaction, describe the cargo and formalize the transport. Discrepancies between them are among the most common causes of clearance delays.
Commercial documents
- Commercial Invoice: describes the sale — parties, goods, quantities, values, Incoterm and payment terms.
- Packing List: details packages, packaging, weights and dimensions, supporting inspection and freight calculation.
- Certificate of Origin: proves where the goods come from and may be required for tariff preferences under trade agreements.
Transport documents
- Bill of Lading (B/L): the ocean transport document. It evidences receipt of the cargo and the contract of carriage; in negotiable form it also represents title to the goods.
- Air Waybill (AWB): the air transport contract and cargo receipt. It is not negotiable.
- Consolidated shipments have a master document, issued by the carrier, and a house document, issued by the forwarder.
Filings in Brazil
In Brazil, operations are filed through the Portal Único Siscomex. Exports use the Single Export Declaration (DU-E). For imports, the Single Import Declaration (DUIMP) is gradually replacing the former Import Declaration (DI), following the Federal Revenue Service's schedule.
Requirements vary by product, country and administrative treatment (licenses and agency approvals). Always confirm the specific requirements for your operation.
