The difference between import and export is that import refers to the bringing of goods and services from other countries while export refers to the taking/selling of goods and services to other countries.

As with the rest of our advice, documents can also be country or area-specific. Here we offer advice on the most universally important documents that customs authorities are most likely to request. A commercial Invoice The supplier of the goods issues the commercial invoice to the buyer. This is a legal document that serves as proof of sale between the two parties. When importing, the customs representative uses the commercial invoice to determine the true value of the goods and to evaluate the duties and taxes payable. Listed below are some of the details that customs authorities look for on commercial invoices: Invoice number and date Prices, quantities, descriptions and HS codes of the products being sold Information about the seller and buyer, including their tax identification numbers Agreed incoterms Customs authorities in some nations may permit pro forma invoices (preliminary invoices) to govern the import duties and taxes. Other nations may need a separate customs invoice, which basically has the same information as a commercial invoice, but in a specified format. Regardless, the customs broker can help you clarify what type of invoice is needed to clear your shipment. A packing list The packing list consists of all specifics about the contents of a shipment and plays an important role in the shipping procedure. As well as being used by the customs broker for the clearance, freight forwarders need the details to create a booking with a carrier and issue the bill of lading. Listed below are some of the details that frequently appear on packing lists: Detailed information about the seller, buyer, and shipper The invoice numbers The date of shipment The mode of transport Important information about the carrier The description of the goods Type of packaging (e.g., box, crate, drum, or carton) The quantities The dimensions The total net and gross weights The package marks (e.g., container and seal numbers) The certificate of Origin The certificate of origin states which country a material has originated in or a product was manufactured. This document typically contains information about the goods themselves, their destination, and country of origin. In certain countries, it’s required in every case and in others only for specific products. The certificate of origin helps determine whether your goods are eligible for import, subject to duties, and entitled to any preferential treatment. There is no standardized form for a certificate of origin. Usually, the exporter or the manufacturer prepares the document. It might require an official certification by an authorized third party, such as a chamber of commerce. It is recommended that the exporter verifies with the buyer and/or an experienced freight forwarder whether a certificate of origin is compulsory. A Letter of Credit (L/C) or other payment terms A letter of credit is basically a letter from a bank ensuring that the seller will receive his payment on time and will receive the correct amount. If the buyer is unable to pay, the bank will be obligated to cover the full or remaining amount of the purchase, hence protecting the seller. While letters of credit are still extensively used, other payment systems are obtainable including: Advance payment – The exporter will receive the payment via wire transfer or telegraphic transfer (T/T), or credit card prior to the delivery of the goods. Open account (O/A) – The goods are shipped and delivered before payment is due, this system is preferable for buyers but can be risky for shippers. Documentary collection (D/C) – A bank in the nation of the importer will act on behalf of the shipper and collect the payment for the goods. A Bill of Lading or Airway Bill The bill of lading is a legally binding document supplied by a carrier to a shipper. Its frameworks details such as the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. The bill of lading serves as a contract between the freight carrier and the shipper. It’s a document of title and can be transferred by endorsement. No matter what the mode of transportation is this document must always accompany the shipped goods. The term bill of lading is typically used for goods transported via sea. For air cargo transport, the term airway bill is more common. Both documents serve the same purpose. Miscellaneous other documents Occasionally, customs authorities request other documents to complete the procedure. Here below is a list of some of them: Import and export licenses Inspection certificates Dangerous goods declarations Permits Your customs broker will inform you if this is the case in due time and provide further guidance if needed.

The amount of duty payable will be charged according to how the car is classified in the HS Nomenclature despite the price you’d have bought it for.

It is hard to come up with a cost without knowing the type of parcel or it’s packaging. For us to be able to give you an accurate cost we require an invoice & packing list of your consignment.

Any country in the world where airlines and other means of transport are allowed to go to.

It is possible to send a gift to Bulawayo or any city/town overnight from Harare, if the following requirements are met:- You are sending parcel during weekdays. You organize with us the pickup points of the parcel in Harare before 14:00HRS.

Kindly note that this will be an export from Zimbabwe to Zambia below documents are required to process the export entry:- Invoice Packing list CDI form from your commercial bank ,if the goods are more that $1000 USD value We can also arrange for transport and packing services as well.

Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin, Customs Declaration, and relevant import/export licenses.

The seller handles export clearance, and the buyer handles import clearance, depending on the agreed Incoterms.

It is recommended to use a customs clearance agent avoid delays, penalties, or seizure.

In most case it takes from a few hours to maximum of 3 days depending on documentation accuracy and inspections.

Customs duty is a tax charged by a government on goods that are imported into (and sometimes exported from) a country.

is the official process of getting goods approved by a country’s customs authority so they can legally enter or leave the country.

Through your customs clearance agency or freight forwarder, often via online tracking.

Wrong HS codes, missing documents, restricted goods, or undervaluation.

A secure storage facility where goods are held without paying duty for a set period.

Use accurate documents, correct HS codes, a reliable broker, and check import restrictions.

“Incoterms” is an acronym standing for international commercial terms.

Meaning: Seller makes goods available at their premises. Risk transfers at seller’s premises. Buyer handles loading, export clearance, transport, import clearance. 👉 Maximum responsibility on buyer.

Meaning: Seller delivers goods to the buyer’s nominated carrier at an agreed place. Seller clears goods for export. Risk transfers when goods are handed to the carrier. 👉 Very common for containerised cargo.

Meaning: Seller pays freight to named destination. Risk transfers when goods are handed to the first carrier. Seller pays transport but buyer carries risk during transit.

Meaning: Same as CPT, but seller also provides insurance. Seller pays freight + insurance. Risk transfers at first carrier.

Meaning: Seller delivers goods ready for unloading at buyer’s location. Seller pays transport and bears risk until arrival. Buyer handles import clearance and duties.

Meaning: Seller delivers and unloads goods at destination. Seller pays transport and unloading. Buyer handles import duties.

Meaning: Seller delivers goods fully cleared for import. Seller pays transport, export clearance, import clearance, duties, and taxes. 👉 Maximum responsibility on seller. Incoterms for SEA & INLAND WATERWAY Only (4 Terms)

Meaning: Seller delivers goods alongside vessel at port of shipment. Buyer handles loading onto ship and main freight.

Meaning: Seller delivers goods on board the vessel. Risk transfers once goods are on the ship. 👉 Used only for sea freight (not containers ideally).

Meaning: Seller pays freight to destination port. Risk transfers once goods are on board the vessel. Insurance not included.

Meaning: Same as CFR, but seller also provides insurance. Risk transfers at shipment port. Seller pays freight + insurance.