Shipping Documents Explained
Everything you need to know about international shipping paperwork — from commercial invoices to certificates of origin. Know exactly what documents you need before you ship.
International Shipping Documents
Click any document to see what it is, what fields it contains, and how to prepare it correctly.
Commercial Invoice
The primary customs declaration document for all international shipments. Lists goods, value, HS codes and Incoterms.
Bill of Lading
The contract of carriage for sea and road freight. Proves ownership of cargo and authorises release at destination.
Air Waybill (AWB)
The air freight equivalent of a bill of lading. Non-negotiable document used to track and release air cargo.
Packing List
Itemised list of every package, its contents, weight and dimensions. Helps customs officers verify the commercial invoice.
Certificate of Origin
Certifies where goods were manufactured. Required for preferential tariff rates under EU trade agreements (EUR.1, A.TR).
Which Documents Do You Need?
| Document | Parcel (EU) | Parcel (Non-EU) | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Packing List | — | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bill of Lading | — | — | ✓ | — |
| Air Waybill (AWB) | — | — | — | ✓ |
| Certificate of Origin | — | If claiming preference | If claiming preference | If claiming preference |
✓ Required — Not required ✗ Not applicable (no customs within EU)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which shipping documents do I need for a parcel from Portugal to the UK?
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You need a commercial invoice and a packing list. Since the UK left the EU, all shipments are subject to UK customs. The commercial invoice must include the goods description, value, HS code, and country of origin. Cargosender generates these documents automatically when you book.
Does Cargosender prepare shipping documents for me?
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Yes. When you book a shipment through Cargosender, we generate the commercial invoice, customs declaration, and shipping label automatically based on the shipment details you provide. You download and print them — no manual paperwork required.
What happens if my shipping documents are incorrect?
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Incorrect documents are the leading cause of customs delays. Common issues include wrong HS codes, mismatched values between invoice and packing list, missing country of origin, or incomplete consignee details. Customs may hold, inspect, or return the shipment until correct documents are provided.
Do I need a certificate of origin for EU shipments?
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Generally no — goods moving within the EU do not need a certificate of origin because there are no customs checks between EU member states. You only need one when shipping to countries with which the EU has preferential trade agreements (e.g., UK, Morocco, South Korea) to claim reduced import duties.
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