Detailed explanation of import e-commerce shipping documents and contract shipping terms

In international trade, both importers and exporters need to understand the shipping documents and shipping terms in the contract in order to successfully complete the transaction process.

Overseas shipping documents

The import document is the main basis for the buyer and seller to deliver the goods and the voucher for payment. It mainly includes the following types of documents:

1. Invoice: Used to record transaction details;
2. Pack list/packing list or weight list: List the specific packaging conditions of the goods;
3. Quality and Weight Certificate: Ensures that the quality and weight of the goods meet the agreed standards;
4. Certificate of Origin: proves the place of production of the goods;
5. Hygiene Certificate: Ensures that food or other specific commodities meet health standards;
6. Wood-free packaging certification: Prevents the spread of pests;
7. Bill of Lading: Proof that the goods have been shipped and transported by the carrier.

Overseas exporters can scan the above documents and send them to the importer for review after shipment. If there are any modifications that need to be made, they can communicate and modify them before mailing the original documents and delivery documents to avoid delays in import customs declaration due to incorrect documents later. time.

Domestic relevant documents

Importers need to apply for relevant domestic documents (if necessary) before the goods arrive at the port, such as entry animal and plant quarantine certificates, automatic import licenses, etc., based on the contract invoice and cargo supervision conditions.

Shipping Terms

Shipping terms generally include shipping time, shipping place/port, destination/port, batch shipment, transshipment and shipping notice, etc.

Shipping time

The date of issue on the shipping document is the date of shipment. The main methods for specifying the shipping date are:

1. Specify the month of shipment. Such as “Shipment during Nov./Dec.2022”;
2. Specify the latest shipping date. Such as “Shipment no later than Nov.28,2022”;
3. Stipulates shipment within a certain period of time after receiving LC or remittance. Such as “Shipment is to be made within 30 days upon receipt of the relevant L/C”.

It is not advisable to use vague regulations on shipping dates, such as “ship immediately”, “ship quickly”, “ship as soon as possible”, etc. to avoid misunderstandings and disputes.

Port of shipment and port of destination

In international trade, the port of shipment is usually proposed by the seller, while the port of discharge is designated by the buyer.

Batch shipment and transshipment

1. Partial shipment: It can only indicate that partial shipment is allowed without making specific provisions; it can also specify the time and quantity of partial shipment; it can also clearly stipulate that partial shipment is not allowed.
2. Transshipment: You can only indicate that transshipment is allowed, or you can indicate that transshipment is allowed and specify the specific transshipment location.

Shipping Notice

The purpose of the shipping notice is to clarify the responsibilities of the buyer and seller and promote cooperation between the two parties. Under FOB terms, the buyer notifies the seller; under CFR or CPT terms, the seller notifies the buyer.

Notes on stipulating shipping period

1. Fully consider the supply situation and reasonably arrange the shipment period;
2. Shipping period regulations should be clear, specific, and standardized, and avoid using vague expressions;
3. The length of the shipping period should be appropriate, neither too short nor too long;
4. Shipping period should be flexible;
5. Try to avoid major holidays.

The above is the relevant content about import e-commerce shipping documents and contract shipping terms. I hope it will be helpful to you.