Accurate documentation is one of the keys to stress free shipping. The two most important documentary considerations are:

 

1) Getting Paid

2) Satisfying the requirements of the authorities.

 

 

There are a number of main types of document to be found within the shipping arena, which we list below and give a brief explaination of their functions:

 

• Bills of Lading                   Show the trading and any other parties who are involved in the transaction,

                                             (such as the importer's customs broker) the vessel details, the points between

                                             which the goods are to move, a description of goods and who is responsible 

                                             for the costs.

 

• Customs Entry                 The traders involved in the transaction and what is to happen to the goods, be 

                                             that permenant export / import, a repair, or to have a process performed upon

                                             the goods, whist in that country. It is also used to identify or discharge a

                                             trader's liability for taxes.

 

• Certificates of Origin       Are doucments which, in many instances, have been marked in some way by

                                             an authorised body, to authenticate the origin of the goods described thereon.

 

• Preference Certificates  Allow the recipient to import certain products from certain countries, at a 

                                             reduced rate of duty. Included within this heading are the EUR1 and GSP Certificate.

 

• Licenses                          Allow sensitive products to be exported or imported into a country. For

                                             example; munitions require a license by their very nature.

 

• Letters of Credit             Are a method for guaranteeing payment. Within the text of the LC, there will be a

                                             number of clauses which quantify the monitary transaction, the goods and services

                                             applicable there to, the method and route of the transport, the timeframe for 

                                             the constituent parts of the work to be carried out in and the documents required.

                                             You must satify all of the constraints of the L/C In order to get paid.

 

Others include the Black List Certificate & Forwarder's Certificate of Receipt.

At the outset, discuss the project with us and using our experience, we will be able to determine what documents are likely to be required but will also use our contacts in this country and abroad to clarify absolutely. For example, I D H C will proof read your letter of credit for you, in order to identify anything that may compromise your payment. We will also liaise with oveseas offices and the British authorities and trade organisations, in order to ensure that we have all other supporting documents in place and thereby, save you time, money and a lot of potential headaches. Customs in all countries are an unforgiving lot and have the power to delay / prevent customs clearance and even seize goods. (As you will appreciate, delays can cost the traders dearly...)