Guide
Which documents you receive with your order
Every paper that travels with your goods, and what each one is for.
Commercial invoice
It lists the products, quantities and prices, who buys and who sells, and the Incoterm (the rule that says up to which point the seller pays for transport and risk). Customs starts from this paper.
Packing list (list of boxes)
It shows every box with its contents, weight and size. It is used to check that nothing is missing and to work out the shipping cost.
Bill of lading (B/L)
The shipping company, or the agent that organises the transport, issues it. It proves the goods are on the ship and lets your importer collect them on arrival.
Product certificates
It depends on the product. It can be a free sale certificate (proof the product is sold legally in its home market), a lab analysis (COA), a safety data sheet (MSDS) or the CE mark (the EU safety mark).
Certificate of origin
It proves in which country the product was made. We provide it when your importer asks for it.
Documents by product
Food usually needs a health or free sale certificate. Cosmetics and personal care may also need a health registration. Electrical equipment needs a technical data sheet and the CE mark. Each importer and each product has its own details, which is why we confirm them before buying.
Checklist before shipping
Commercial invoice with the same details as the order, a packing list that matches what was loaded, valid product certificates and labels in the requested language. We check these four points before the container is closed.
If a paper is missing
We tell you as soon as we spot it and ask the supplier for the document. It is much easier to fix before shipping than with the goods already at the port.
Informational guide, not legal advice. Updated 2026-09-29.