4.2. Reading text - Export Documentation
Export Documents
Because there are so many organisations participating in export transactions, there are a lot of export documents to be drawn up. Each organization's service is represented by a contract, which is demonstrated by a document. Export documents can be divided into five groups:
1. documents of dispatch deal with moving goods from the exporter to the docks in the country of origin;
2. shipping documents deal with moving goods across international borders;
3. customs forms deal with clearing goods through customs, such as customs entry, certificate of quality, certificate of origin, or customs invoice;
4. official invoices are special documents issued by the exporter according to the requirements of the importing country
5. bank documents concerned with payment.
Documents of Dispatch
The Standard Shipping Note (SSN) is a document used by port authorities to control cargo arriving from exporting countries. The SSN is a form issued in several copies, and filled out to contain a detailed description of the consignment. Before the cargo is sent to the port, the port authorities must agree with the information presented in the SSN.
The Shipping Instructions Form (SIF) is a document containing a detailed description of the consignment. After booking freight space, the exporters need to complete the SIF and send it to the shipping company or shipping agents so that they know how to handle and ship the goods. Although very similar to the SSN, The SIF contains more details.
Sometimes groupage service may apply, when a shipping company decides to pack together the consignments of two different exporters in order to save freight space (especially in a container).
The Special Stowage Order Form is a document containing a detailed description of a hazardous consignment. This form must be filled in and sent to the shipping company before shipping live animals, perishable, dangerous or highly valuable cargo. To be able to ship such goods, the exporter must first receive the consent of the shipping company.