Buyer guide
The documents behind an Indian export consignment
What each document in the set is, who issues it, and what it decides for you at the discharge port. Confirm your own authority's list before production, because a labelling or certificate change after packing means repacking.
Commercial invoice
Issued by the exporter
States the seller, buyer, product description, HS code, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, Incoterm and named port. Your customs authority values the consignment from this document, so the description and HS code must match what is actually inside the container.
Packing list
Issued by the exporter
Breaks the consignment into cartons or bags with net and gross weights, pack sizes, marks and numbers, and container and seal numbers. Used for clearance and for checking the cargo on arrival against what was loaded.
Bill of lading or airway bill
Issued by the carrier
The transport document and, for an ocean bill of lading, the document of title — whoever holds the original can claim the cargo. Check consignee details, port of discharge and freight terms carefully before it is finalised, because corrections after issue cost time and money.
Certificate of origin
Chamber of commerce or authorised body
Certifies that the goods originate in India. A preferential certificate is issued where a trade agreement between India and your country allows a lower duty rate; a non-preferential one simply states origin. Tell the exporter which one you need before shipment.
Phytosanitary certificate
Plant Quarantine authority, India
Required for plants and plant products, confirming the consignment was inspected and found free from quarantine pests. Almost every agricultural consignment needs one, and the wording sometimes has to include a declaration specific to your country.
Fumigation certificate and ISPM 15 marking
Approved treatment provider
Some destinations require the cargo, the packing, or both to be treated. Timber pallets and cases generally have to be ISPM 15 treated and stamped. Biosecurity-strict destinations check this on arrival, and untreated wood can mean the whole container is held.
Certificate of analysis or inspection certificate
Laboratory or inspection agency
Reports the tested parameters — moisture, contaminants, residues, colour value, microbiological results — or confirms an agency inspected the loading. Name the laboratory or agency and the governing result in the contract, not after loading.
Insurance certificate
Insurer, arranged by whoever carries the risk
Needed when the term is CIF or CIP, where the seller insures the cargo. Under FOB or CFR you insure it yourself from the agreed point. Read the covered perils, not just the sum insured.
Shipping bill
Filed by the exporter with Indian Customs
India's export declaration. You will not usually clear goods with it, but it evidences that the export was lawfully declared and is part of the exporter's record for zero-rated supply.
General guidance for buyers planning a shipment. Requirements change and differ by product and destination; the applicable set is confirmed per consignment before any order is placed. This page does not state that Abhaam Corp holds any approval beyond the registrations shown on the site.