Export Forms

Shipping Solutions export documentation software is the fastest way to create accurate export forms. Don't have the Shipping Solutions software, download one or more of these fillable PDF templates.

Air Waybill

The air waybill is a contract for carriage. The face of the air waybill identifies the shipper, the consignee, the carrier, the notify party, the freight forwarder, routing, the description, weight and dimensions of the cargo, freight charges, and the relevant anti-diversion clause. On the reverse of the air waybill, the carrier's contract with the shipper and consignee are detailed.

Australia Certificate of Origin

On Jan. 1, 2005, the U.S.–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force. More than 99% of U.S.-manufactured goods exported to Australia immediately became duty free. While the importer is required to make a claime of preferential tariff treatment under the FTA, they may ask the exporter to use this form in support of their claim.

Bank Draft

A bank draft is an important part of the international sales process for transferring control of the exported goods from the seller in exchange for funds from the buyer. It is often called a documentary collection because the seller attaches documents to a draft and a cover letter.

CAFTA-DR Certificate of Origin

Under the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR) Free Trade Agreement, 100% of U.S. consumer and industrial goods and nearly all U.S. agricultural products are no longer subject to tariffs if they meet the relevant rules of origin that are part of the agreement. While no official form is required, this sample form has been provided by CAFTA countries.

Canada Customs Invoice

Commercial shipments to Canada, regardless of mode of transport, which are valued at over $2,500 (CAD), are not classified under HTUSA Chapter 9810, and are subject to duties and sales taxes, should be accompanied by a Canada Customs Invoice. The invoice must contain all the information currently required by Canada Customs Regulations and can be prepared either by the exporter, importer or their agents.

CARICOM Invoice

In the Caribbean region, a free trade zone called the Caribbean Common Market exists. All exports to member countries from non-member countries must be accompanied by five copies of a properly completed CARICOM Invoice or a standard commercial invoice that includes all the data found on the CARICOM invoice.

Chile Certificate of Origin

The U.S.–Chile Free Trade Agreement went into force in 2004 with 100% of products becoming duty free in 2015. Like all of the free trade agreements the U.S. has entered into with other countries, the responsibility for claiming preferential treatment lies with the importer. However, more often than not, the information needed to support the claim will have to be provided by the producer or exporter of the goods.

Colombia Certificate of Origin

The U.S.–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) entered into force on May 15, 2012. Like all of the free trade agreements the U.S. has entered into with other countries, the responsibility for claiming preferential treatment lies with the importer. However, more often than not, the information needed to support the claim will have to be provided by the producer or exporter of the goods.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is the single document that describes the entire export transaction from start to finish. When completed properly, it provides important instructions and information to the buyer, the freight forwarder, U.S. and foreign customs, the import broker, the marine insurance company, and both your bank and the buyer’s bank. Done improperly, it can cause confusion, delays and disagreements.

Commercial Invoice in French

The commercial invoice is the single document that describes the entire export transaction from start to finish. When completed properly, it provides important instructions and information to the buyer, the freight forwarder, U.S. and foreign customs, the import broker, the marine insurance company, and both your bank and the buyer’s bank. Done improperly, it can cause confusion, delays and disagreements.

Commercial Invoice in Spanish

The commercial invoice is the single document that describes the entire export transaction from start to finish. When completed properly, it provides important instructions and information to the buyer, the freight forwarder, U.S. and foreign customs, the import broker, the marine insurance company, and both your bank and the buyer’s bank. Done improperly, it can cause confusion, delays and disagreements.

Commercial Invoice for Exports to Israel

Prior to April 1, 2018, U.S. exporters who wished to qualify for preferential access to the Israeli market needed to use a special green certificate of origin form. That regulation has now changed and instead of providing the green certificate of origin, U.S. exporters must include a new statement that declares that their goods qualify under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement.

Dangerous Goods IATA with columns

The International Air Transport Association which makes up the majority of the world`s airlines, uses the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air as the basis for their dangerous goods regulations. Some airlines have specific operational variations that specific very specific documentation requirements. Shippers should be aware of these variations.

Dangerous Goods IATA without columns

The International Air Transport Association which makes up the majority of the world`s airlines, uses the ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air as the basis for their dangerous goods regulations. Some airlines have specific operational variations that specific very specific documentation requirements. Shippers should be aware of these variations.

Dangerous Goods IMO

Shipping dangerous goods internationally by vessel is regulated through the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO uses the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Regulations Code (IMDG Code) as the basis for international enforcement of dangerous goods transportation by vessel.The DG declaration and Container Packing Certificate can be in any format, but must be in accordance with Chapter 5.4 of the IMDG-Code.

Dock Receipt

The dock receipt provides the exporter with proof of delivery of the cargo to the international carrier in good condition. The inland carrier may deliver the goods to a warehouse company or a warehouse operated by the carrier. The dock receipt is often prepared by the exporter or the freight forwarder and is signed by the warehouse worker or agent for the carrier upon receipt of the goods.

Inland Bill of Lading

An inland bill of lading is often the first transportation document issued for an international shipment. It may be prepared by the carrier or the shipper and then signed when the carrier takes possession of the cargo. The inland bill of lading typically includes the name and address of shipper and receiver of the goods, the products being shipped, the carrier's limited liability, and more.

Japan Certificate of Origin

The U.S.-Japan Free Trade Agreement entered into force on January 1, 2020, and provides market access for certain U.S. food, agriculture and industrial goods. Like all the other free trade agreements, the importer is responsible for claiming preferential treatment. However, the information to support the claim is usually provided by the exporter or producer.

Korea Certificate of Origin

The U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement, sometimes referred to as KORUS, entered into force on May 15, 2012. Like all of the U.S. free trade agreements, the responsibility for claiming preferential treatment lies with the importer. However, more often than not, the information needed to support the claim will have to be provided by the producer or exporter of the goods.

Non-Dangerous Goods

Although not mandatory, this form relieves any suspicion if handlers question the nature of the product and assures them there are no dangerous goods involved. It also shows the shipper has taken due diligence and responsibility, formally presenting the product information and stating the article, or material, being shipped is not restricted for air transport.

Ocean Bill of Lading

The ocean bill of lading serves as both a contract for carriage and a document of title for the cargo. The bill of lading identifies the parties on both ends of the shipment, as well as a description of the goods and routing instructions.

Packing List

While a packing list is not required by customs authorities in most countries, it is an important document in the export process. It may be used by the freight forwarder to prepare the bill of lading; it may be used by the bank as a supporting document under a letter of credit; and it may be used in the event of a dispute between the carrier and the exporter.

Panama Certificate of Origin

The U.S.–Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (PATPA) entered into force on Oct. 31, 2012. On that day, more than 87% of U.S. industrial goods exports to Panama became duty-free. While it is the responsibility of the importer to claim preferential tariff rates for qualified products, the exporter or producer may be asked to provide information in support of the claim.

Peru Certificate of Origin

The U.S.–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PETPA) entered into force on Feb. 1, 2009. The PETPA eliminates tariffs and removes barriers to U.S. services, provides a secure, predictable legal framework for investors, and strengthens protection for intellectual property, workers and the environment. The exporter may be asked to provide information in support of the claim.

Proforma Invoice

An buyer may request a quote in the form of a proforma invoice in order to arrange a letter of credit to pay for the goods or to arrange financing for the purchase. In addition, certain countries may require a proforma invoice if they tightly control their currency exchange rate, require an import permit, or protect local industry by placing import quotas on certain goods.

Proforma Invoice in Spanish

An buyer may request a quote in the form of a proforma invoice in order to arrange a letter of credit to pay for the goods or to arrange financing for the purchase. In addition, certain countries may require a proforma invoice if they tightly control their currency exchange rate, require an import permit, or protect local industry by placing import quotas on certain goods.

Proforma Invoice in French

An buyer may request a quote in the form of a proforma invoice in order to arrange a letter of credit to pay for the goods or to arrange financing for the purchase. In addition, certain countries may require a proforma invoice if they tightly control their currency exchange rate, require an import permit, or protect local industry by placing import quotas on certain goods.

Shipper's Letter of Instruction

The Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI), while not required by any regulatory agency, conveys specific instructions from the exporter to their agent, usually a freight forwarder. An SLI also typically includes a limited Power of Attorney statement that gives the freight forwarder the authority to sign documents on behalf of the exporter.

Singapore Certificate of Origin

The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement eliminated import duties on all qualifying items on January 1, 2013 after a 10-year phase-in period. By eliminating import duties, it makes qualifying U.S. products less expensive to purchase in Singapore and makes U.S. companies more competitive.

SLI in SED Format

The Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI) is completed by the exporter in advance of their international shipment and is sent to the freight forwarder with the other export paperwork. It's a cover memo for the rest of the paperwork and a summary of information your forwarders need to know. This version of the SLI is based on the outdated Shipper's Export Declaration (SED).

SLI in NCBFAA Format

This version of the Shipper's Letter of Instruction (SLI) was created by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and includes important details about the shipment including the information a forwarder requires to file your electronic export information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AESDirect).

USMCA Certificate of Origin

On July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA as the free trade agreement between the three North American countries. The USMCA eliminates tariffs and quotas on trade between the three countries for products that qualify under the terms of the agreement.