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Bill of Lading
“A bill of lading, or B/L, is like a comprehensive travel ticket for cargo, provided by the carrier to the shipper. It contains important details like what's being shipped, how much of it, and where it's headed. Think of it as a formal receipt too, acknowledging the handover of goods when they reach their destination."
Commercial Invoice
"A commercial invoice is like the official receipt of a business transaction. It's a document sellers give to buyers, laying out the nitty-gritty of what was sold: items, quantities, prices, and payment terms. Think of it as a crucial record, ensuring both parties are on the same page about the deal."
Freight Invoice
“A freight invoice is like the receipt for shipping services. It's the document carriers send to shippers or consignees, outlining the transportation services provided. This includes details like the type of shipment, its weight, distance covered, and associated charges. Essentially, it's your official billing statement for freight services rendered.”
Packing List
“In shipping, a packing list is a detailed inventory of the items included in a shipment. It outlines specifics like quantity, description, weight, and dimensions of each package or item being transported. This document acts as a crucial reference point for both the sender and recipient, ensuring accuracy and completeness throughout the shipping and delivery process."
Export Declaration
"An export declaration in shipping is an official document filed by the exporter or their representative. It provides comprehensive details about the goods being shipped, including descriptions, quantities, values, and destinations. This document is crucial for complying with international trade regulations and helps customs authorities monitor and regulate exports while also ensuring accurate trade data collection."
Import Declaration
“An import declaration in shipping is a formal submission made to customs authorities by either the importer or their representative. It provides comprehensive information about the goods being brought into a country, including descriptions, values, quantities, and origins. This essential document is necessary for customs assessment of duties, taxes, and other import-related charges, ensuring adherence to import laws and regulations.”
Certificate of Origin
“A certificate of origin is a crucial document in international trade that verifies the country where goods were manufactured, produced, or processed. It's essential for customs purposes, helping to determine tariffs, comply with trade agreements, and qualify for preferential treatment under free trade agreements. Typically issued by recognized bodies such as chambers of commerce or governmental agencies, this certificate provides vital information for smooth cross-border transactions."
Guot Document
"GUOT, which stands for Guichet Unique des Opérations Transfrontalières, is necessary to validate the ECTN for shipments to Congo . Shippers need to advise the importer in Congo to register in the GUOT system to obtain a T.I. number, which must be included on the ECTN for validation. Please note that there are two types of GUOT documents: DI (Douane d'importation) and TI (Transport d'importation). The TI GUOT document should be submitted to obtain the certificate."
F.D.I. Document
“FDI also known as Fiche de Déclaration à l'Importation, which translates to Import Declaration Form in English. All shipments destined for Ivory Coast must obtain an FDI certificate. The consignee in the Ivory Coast Customs office is responsible for applying for the FDI document.”
Incoterms
“Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are a globally recognized set of trade terms established by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). These terms outline the responsibilities and obligations of buyers and sellers in international trade transactions. By specifying who bears the costs, risks, and logistics involved in transporting goods, Incoterms help ensure clarity and consistency in global trade agreements. They cover crucial aspects such as delivery points, risk transfer, transportation costs, and import/export clearance responsibilities, making them essential for facilitating smooth and transparent international trade."
HS Code
"The HS code, or Harmonized System code, is a globally recognized classification system for traded products. It assigns a unique code to each product, which is used by customs authorities worldwide to determine tariffs, duties, and other trade regulations. Administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the HS code plays a vital role in facilitating international trade by ensuring consistency and accuracy in product classification across over 200 countries and territories."
D.U. – Documento Unico
“The "Documento Único" for Angola, commonly referred to as the "DU," is an essential document mandated by the Angolan government for all imports and exports. Acting as a consolidated declaration, it streamlines administrative procedures related to customs, transportation, and commercial transactions. The DU contains vital information about the cargo, including its type, quantity, value, and origin, as well as details about the parties involved in the trade. This document is indispensable for ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance with Angolan import and export regulations.”
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