Export Customs Declaration Document Preparation Guide

Export customs documentation requires a commercial invoice, packing list, export declaration form, and in some cases a product certificate, inspection report, or certificate of origin. The commercial invoice must include seller and buyer details, invoice number, date, product name in English, quantity, unit price, total value, currency, and trade terms. The packing list must match the invoice and include carton count, contents per box, gross weight, net weight, and dimensions. Common mistakes include mismatched quantities, vague product descriptions, incorrect HS codes, and missing inspection certificates. Establishing a document review checklist, standard templates, and a product classification database helps reduce errors and speeds up the customs release process.