What shipping documents do I need?

Shipping goods from the United States overseas, depending on the type of commodity and destination country, may require providing different sets of shipping documents.

However, if you are shipping from the USA a general commodity, most of the time, you will need submitting to the freight:

• If you send a commercial cargo, then it is a Commercial Invoice. It may be a shipping document prepared specifically for a particular shipment or a copy of the purchase receipt or invoice with the value of shipping goods in US$.
   
• If, for some reason, you cannot provide a commercial invoice OR you ship from the USA household goods or personal items, then it is a Valued Packing List. When submitting a valued packing list to your shipping goods, you should follow a specific format. It must describe the number and type of shipping units, general cargo description, estimated weight, and value of the goods in US$. When shipping household goods or personal effects, exporters assigns the value of goods on their own. However, the cost of the goods should match their fair market value.
   
• The ocean freight carrier may also ask for copies of identification documents, such as a copy of passport, visa, tax ID, etc.

However, certain countries in the world require special documents or apply certain restrictions on goods imported from the USA.

Submitting proper documentation at origin and destination is the exporters' and importers' responsibility. If you are unsure about special requirements in your particular country, then contact the country's consulate in the United States or ask your country before initiating international shipping.

We'd recommend you visit the Intertek.com website and contact them if you have questions.

You may find more about documentation in shipping cargo from the USA on our website.