Common Export Documentation Checklist

• Commercial Invoice — states the transaction value, parties, and terms; the primary document customs uses to assess duties.
• Packing List — details how the shipment is physically packed, including weights, package counts, and dimensions.
• Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill) — issued by the carrier, serving as a shipment receipt, contract of carriage, and (for ocean freight, if a negotiable bill) a document of title to the goods.

• Certificate of Origin (COO) — confirms the country where the goods were produced, relevant for customs duty and any applicable trade agreement.
• Phytosanitary Certificate — confirms the shipment meets destination-country agricultural import health requirements; typically required for raw agricultural products.
• Fumigation Certificate — confirms wooden packaging or the cargo itself has been treated where required by destination-country import rules.

• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — lab-tested results for the specific shipped lot against agreed specification.
• Health Certificate — required by some destination countries specifically for food products, distinct from the phytosanitary certificate.
• Halal Certificate — relevant for shipments to markets where this certification is required or expected.

• IEC (Import Export Code) — required for the exporting business to trade across borders from India.
• APEDA Registration (RCMC) — relevant for scheduled agricultural product categories; see our APEDA vs FSSAI guide.
• FSSAI License — relevant where food safety compliance applies.

This checklist covers documents commonly seen across shipments — your specific product and destination country may require additional or different documentation. Confirm the exact list with your supplier and your own customs broker before your first shipment, rather than assuming this list is exhaustive for your case.