Logistics · 6 min read
Export Documents Checklist: What Every Shipment from India Needs
Most shipping delays are paperwork delays. Here is the checklist we work from.
Quick answer
A typical export shipment from India needs a commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, bill of lading, and — depending on product and market — a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, fumigation certificate, insurance certificate and quality or analysis report. All documents must agree on weights, descriptions and consignee details.
Which documents does every export need?
Regardless of product, you will need:
- Commercial invoice — the sale price and terms
- Packing list — what is packed where, with weights
- Shipping bill — the customs export declaration
- Bill of lading — the carrier's receipt and title document
Which extra documents do agricultural products need?
For coffee, spices and other plant products, expect:
- Phytosanitary certificate from the plant quarantine authority
- Fumigation certificate if the buyer or destination requires it
- Quality or analysis report against the contract specification
When do you need a certificate of origin?
Most buyers ask for one, and it is essential if the importing country offers a tariff preference for Indian goods — for example under the India–UAE CEPA. A preferential certificate of origin must be applied for correctly to be accepted.
What is the most common documentation mistake?
Inconsistency. A net weight that differs between invoice and bill of lading, or a consignee name written two ways, can hold cargo at destination. Cross-check every document against the others before submission.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues the bill of lading?
The carrier or its agent issues the bill of lading once the container is loaded, based on the shipping instructions you or your forwarder submit.
Can my freight forwarder prepare the documents?
A forwarder prepares and coordinates most shipping documents; customs filing is done by a licensed customs broker.
