Essential Documents for Every Shipment
Every international shipment requires: a commercial invoice (or proforma invoice for personal shipments), a packing list, sender identification (CNIC for individuals, NTN for businesses), and complete receiver details (name, address, phone, email, postal code). These four documents are the minimum for any international cargo from Pakistan. Additional documents may be required depending on the destination, contents, and shipment type.
The Commercial Invoice
The commercial invoice is the primary customs document. It must include: seller and buyer full details, invoice number and date, complete item descriptions (not just 'goods'), HS codes, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency, country of origin, Incoterms, and payment terms. For commercial shipments, it must be on company letterhead and signed. For personal shipments, a proforma invoice with similar details is acceptable.
The Packing List
The packing list details how goods are packed: total carton count, carton-by-carton breakdown (contents, quantity, weight), gross and net weight, carton dimensions, and carton numbering (1/10, 2/10...). It helps customs verify the shipment matches the invoice and helps the receiver check for missing items. For LCL sea freight, it's also used to calculate volumetric weight.
Airway Bill (AWB)
The Airway Bill is the shipping contract for air cargo — similar to a bill of lading for sea freight. It's issued by the carrier (airline or freight forwarder) and includes: shipper and consignee details, origin and destination airports, flight details, number of pieces, weight, chargeable weight, declared value, and service type. The AWB also serves as a tracking number. We generate the AWB as part of our air cargo service.
Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading is the shipping contract for sea freight. It's issued by the shipping line or freight forwarder and includes: shipper and consignee details, origin and destination ports, vessel name, container number, number of packages, weight, and freight terms. A 'Straight B/L' is non-negotiable (goods released to named consignee). An 'Order B/L' is negotiable (can be endorsed). We issue the B/L as part of our sea freight service.
Certificate of Origin (COO)
The Certificate of Origin declares where goods were manufactured. It's issued by the Chamber of Commerce and is required for: claiming GSP+ preferential tariffs in EU/UK, claiming FTA benefits (China-Pakistan FTA uses Form E), and meeting certain destination country import requirements. For GSP+ claims, Form A is used. The COO must match the commercial invoice details exactly.
Export Documentation from Pakistan
For formal exports from Pakistan, additional documents may include: SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) EPR form (for export proceeds realization), EPB (Export Promotion Bureau) registration for certain categories, WeBOC (Web-Based One Customs) filing and GD (Goods Declaration), and export licenses for restricted categories. For textile exports, certain categories may require an export license. We handle all Pakistan export documentation.
Destination-Specific Documents
Different destinations require specific documents: USA — ISF (Importer Security Filing) for sea freight, FDA Prior Notice for food/cosmetics, customs bond for commercial imports. EU — EORI number for the importer, CE marking for regulated products. Australia — packing declaration, fumigation certificate (ISPM 15) for wooden items. Saudi Arabia — SASO/SABER certification, embassy-attested invoices. We handle all destination-specific documentation.
How We Handle Documentation
Haideri International Cargo handles all shipping documentation for you. We prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. We generate the airway bill or bill of lading. We file export customs through WeBOC. We coordinate with destination customs brokers. For GSP+ eligible products, we prepare Form A certificates. You provide product details and receiver information — we handle the rest, ensuring every document is complete and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need for a personal shipment?
For personal shipments, you need: sender CNIC, receiver details (name, address, phone), a list of contents with declared values, and a proforma invoice. We prepare all shipping and customs documents for you.
What documents do I need for a commercial shipment?
Commercial shipments require: commercial invoice (on letterhead, signed), packing list, certificate of origin (for GSP+/FTA), HS code classification, and possibly export licenses. We handle all documentation.
Do I need to prepare documents myself?
No. We handle all documentation as part of our service. You provide product details, receiver information, and any required licenses/certificates — we prepare and file all shipping and customs documents.
What is an EORI number and do I need one?
An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for commercial imports into the EU. It's the importer's (receiver's) responsibility to have one. We can guide your EU buyer through EORI registration.
Need help with your shipment?
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