Text version of this infographic
The same data as the figure, as text, for screen readers, search and AI tools.
Not legal, customs or tax advice. General information only; check duties, documents and contract terms with your customs broker or adviser.
| Document | Purpose | Who issues or prepares it |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Bill for goods sold; customs uses it to help set duties | Exporter or seller |
| Packing list | Details contents and packaging so cargo can be checked | Exporter side |
| Bill of lading (sea) | Contract and receipt between owner of goods and carrier | The carrier |
| Airway bill (air) | Accompanies air shipments and allows tracking | Tied to the international air carrier |
| Certificate of origin | States the country where goods were made | Manufacturer, certified by a chamber of commerce or government body |
| Insurance certificate | Certifies cargo insurance has been purchased | Issuer not named in the sources |
| HS code (not a document) | Standard product classification for customs tariffs and statistics | Classification system maintained by the World Customs Organization |
The usual order of events
- 1. Order and proforma
- 2. Classify the goods (HS code)
- 3. Transport document
- 4. Origin and insurance if needed
- 5. Import entry in your country
How to use this infographic
- Read the five steps along the top to see the usual order of events.
- Check the table for who issues each document.
- Confirm requirements for your country with your customs broker or adviser.
Questions
Which documents usually travel with a shipment?
A commercial invoice, a transport document (bill of lading for sea, airway bill for air) and, where needed, a certificate of origin and an insurance certificate.
What is an HS code?
A standard product classification used for customs tariffs and statistics, maintained by the World Customs Organization. It is not a document.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information only. Check duties, documents and contract terms with your customs broker or adviser.
Not legal, customs or tax advice. General information only; check duties, documents and contract terms with your customs broker or adviser.
Sources
- Common Export Documents (U.S. International Trade Administration) (fetched 2026-11-12)
- Ten Common Export Documents You Should Know About (Export-Import Bank of the United States) (fetched 2026-11-12)
- What is the Harmonized System (HS)? (World Customs Organization) (fetched 2026-11-12)
- ArtzFolio Private Label: shipping documents for home decor imported from India (page as of 2026-11-12)
Overview as of 2026-11-12. Figures are paraphrased or computed from the sources above; the figure carries its own source line. Confirm live prices and terms with ArtzFolio Private Label before you order.