What Documents Are Required for Export Customs Declaration?

Commercial Invoice
It should specify the name of the goods, detailed information of both the buyer and seller (including names, addresses, and contact details), a complete description of the goods (including product names, specifications, models, quantities, unit prices, total prices), trade terms (such as FOB, CIF), payment methods, the invoice date, and a unique invoice number.

Packing List
It should provide a detailed description of the packaging information for each carton of goods, including product names, quantities, gross weights, net weights, volumes, and packaging methods. This document is used by customs authorities to verify whether the actual quantity of goods matches the declared quantity, preventing underreporting, non-reporting, or misreporting.

Sales Contract
This is the trade contract signed between the exporter and the buyer, which clarifies the rights and obligations of both parties, delivery time and location, acceptance procedures, etc. As a document proving the goods transaction, the contract must be stamped with the official seals of both parties or signed by authorized representatives; otherwise, its legal effectiveness cannot be guaranteed.

Export Customs Declaration Form
This is the core document for declaring to customs. It requires careful completion of information about the goods, such as the HS code, product names, quantities, total prices, and currencies. Transportation information includes the port of departure/destination, mode of transportation (sea freight/air freight/land transportation), and the vessel name/voyage number or flight number. Trade methods include general trade, processing trade, and bonded zone trade. Enterprises can submit the form online through the "China International Trade Single Window" or have customs declarants input the information into the system.

Transportation Documents

• Bill of Lading (for sea freight): An original bill of lading (Original B/L) or a telex release bill of lading (Telex Release) must be provided, specifying the consignee, notify party, goods description, loading and unloading ports, and the bill of lading number.

• Air Waybill (for air freight): An original is not required, but it must include information about the shipper, consignee, flight details, and goods description.

• Multimodal Transport Document: If sea-air intermodal transportation is involved, a combined transport bill of lading must be provided, indicating transportation information for each segment.

Licenses and Certificates
For specific industries, relevant certificates are required. For example, phytosanitary certificates are needed for food, agricultural products, and live animals, while quality inspection certificates are required for machinery, electronics, and other industrial products. These certificates should be applied for in advance based on the nature of the goods to avoid customs detention of the goods and unnecessary losses due to missing documents.

Additionally, if an export enterprise needs to entrust a professional customs broker, a written customs brokerage agreement must be provided and stamped with an official seal. For processing trade, the number and balance of the manual issued by customs must be provided. Enterprises requiring insurance coverage must provide a cargo transportation insurance policy.