Papers have to match the cartons. A mismatch is a common reason a shipment waits at the airport or the port.
Personal gifts and personal effects
- Contents list with approximate values
- Sender name, phone and pickup address
- Consignee name, phone and delivery address
- Copy of ID if the booking or airline asks for it
Commercial cargo
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list that matches piece count and weights
- Consignee details and any tax or import number the destination needs
- Permits or certificates when the product requires them
Always useful
- Photos of packed pieces for awkward shapes
- Preferred delivery window at destination
- Whether duties are for the sender or the receiver
Related service pages: export documentation and customs clearance.
Common questions
Usually a contents list and declared value are enough. Commercial stock for sale needs a commercial invoice and packing list.
The shipment can wait at the airport or port until the file is corrected. Match piece count, weights and descriptions before pickup.