Customer clearance is necessary for all commercial cargo, whether it is intended for import or export. This simply means that companies involved in importing and exporting goods to and from the nation must get past certain customs hurdles as set forth by the government.

Preparing documents to be submitted electronically or physically along with the consignment is a common step in the customs clearance process. This aids in the calculation of the taxes and duties that will be assessed on the cargo by the relevant authorities.

The kind of paperwork needed for customs clearance typically varies depending on the kind of cargo being shipped. Additionally, it might change based on the cargo's country of origin and final destination. As a general rule, however, most businesses must adhere to a set of general documents when importing or exporting goods.

Documents required for exporting 

This information explains the paperwork needed to export goods from the exporting nation. The documentation needed for export from the exporting country is dependent on the products being exported, multilateral, bilateral, or unilateral trade agreements, and other trade policies of the exporting country government, in addition to the fundamental documents. The type of goods exported (general goods, personal effects, dangerous goods, livestock, etc.), the government's regular trade policy, and the specific goods exported from the exporting country all affect the export documentation needed in that country (Arms and ammunition, health products, food products, chemicals etc.) However, generally speaking, the following documentation is needed to export goods from the exporting nation:

• Customs Entry Document: Created by the exporter's customs broker or the exporter (as specified by the exporting country's customs).
• a customs bond, if necessary, for the export of particular goods in order to obtain government import subsidies from the exporting nation.
• Legal Undertaking (LUT), if necessary, to export particular products in order to satisfy governmental obligations and claim export benefits from the exporting country's government.
• Customs declarations: Where applicable, export customs clearance declarations in the exporting country's government-specified format.
• If necessary, an export license must be obtained from a government agency in the exporting nation.
• Exporting nation's exporter and foreign buyer of goods exchange a purchase order or letter of credit.
• Commercial invoice and packing list provided by the product seller
• The competent authority of the product's country of origin issues the Certificate of Origin.
• Government-authorized insurance service provider issues insurance certificate
• Certificates of Inspection, if applicable: Some importers request that a certified inspection agency, such as SGS, BVQI, or another quality inspecting agency, etc., inspect goods being exported to a foreign country via a Letter of Credit (LC) or Purchase Order.
• If applicable, an ATA CARNET/temporary shipment certificate
• If needed, a Certificate of Analysis The buyer may request that the seller include an analysis certificate for the goods. The same certificate assists the customs authorities of the exporting nation in verifying the importation of the good.
• If applicable, a Certificate of Free Sale. A certificate of sale is included by the exporter with the goods sent if the goods are not being used for commercial purposes.
• Weight Certification, if necessary. A weight certificate from the exporter is needed in a number of situations, such as when determining whether a flight or vessel is suitable for takeoff or landing, when applying for government benefits related to exports or imports, when calculating import or export duties, and more.
• If applicable, a consular invoice is required by some importing nations. These documents must be attested by an embassy in the nation of importation in order for the goods to be cleared through customs.

Documents needed by the exporting nation's customs for a particular product to export

• Electronic Export Information if applicable
• Certificate of Health or Sanitation if applicable
• Generic Certificate of Origin if applicable
• Dangerous Goods Certificate if applicable
• Fisheries Certificate if applicable
• Fumigation Certificate if applicable
• Halal Certificate if applicable
• Health Certificate if applicable
• Ingredients Certificate if applicable
• Inspection Certificate if applicable
• Pre-Shipment Inspection certificate if applicable
• Phytosanitary Certificate/quarantine certificate if applicable
• Radiation Certificate if applicable
• Dock Receipt and Warehouse Receipt if applicable
• ISPM 15 (Wood Packaging) Marking certificate if applicable
• Product manual or Product catalogue if applicable
• Certified Engineer's Report if applicable
• Chartered engineer’s certificate if applicable
• Product specification certificate
• Other specified documents if applicable

Bank export documents in Exporting country

• Purchase order or Letter of Credit
• Commercial Invoice cum packing list
• Pro forma Invoice
• Bill of exchange
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance Certificate
• Certificates of Inspection if applicable
• Electronic Export Information if applicable
• Certificate of Health or Sanitation if applicable
• Other specified documents if applicable

This article describes the various documents at various levels that each exporter is required to submit to the exporting country's customs authority.