International Trade Expert and Consultant

Author, Exporter and patriot

Gerry Bratley MIEx

Documentation is one of the most important elements of International Trade. The invoices along with the certificate of origin are used by the customs to calculate the import duties and taxes,  The bills of lading are title to the goods, whoever holds the original owns the consignment. Banks use other documents such as bills of exchange (drafts) these are negotiable documents which can be passed/sold on calling on the buyer to pay the bill. It is essential if you are going to be involved in letters of credit, or documentary collections that you know how they work!

Errors on documentation  are serious, the customs could impose fines if the values were under declared, the bank could refuse to pay against a letter of credit,

The documents you produce are used by a whole host of other people too, the shippers and the clearing agents at the destination.

Accurate documentation is a must and you must get it 100% right the first and every time you ship.

We can assist you with “hands on training” we will take you through the process before your first shipment, and remain along side you throughout further shipments until you and your staff are fully competent and confident.  

A display of the typical documents involved:-

The wording on each Bill of Exchange can change depending on the contracts and payment terms. These documents are typical and found in most transactions each one must be correct,