Packing List & Commercial Invoice in Export & Import

1️⃣ Packing List 📦

What is a Packing List?

A Packing List is a detailed document that provides information about the contents, packaging, and weight of a shipment. It is used by exporters, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and importers to verify the goods being transported.

📌 Issued By: Exporter (Seller)
📌 Required For: Customs Clearance, Logistics, and Payment Processing
📌 Purpose: Describes the exact contents of a shipment for customs & logistics.

Key Details in a Packing List

📜 Exporter (Seller) Details – Name, address, and contact.
📜 Importer (Buyer) Details – Name, address, and contact.
📜 Invoice Number & Date – Links packing list with the commercial invoice.
📜 Shipping Details – Mode of transport (air, sea, road), vessel/flight number, port of loading & destination.
📜 Package Details – Box/carton numbers, types of packaging (pallets, drums, crates, etc.).
📜 Goods Description – Product name, quantity, and specifications.
📜 Gross & Net Weight – Total weight including packaging vs. actual product weight.
📜 Dimensions – Package size in length, width, and height.
📜 Marks & Numbers – Identification codes, batch numbers, and shipping marks.

📌 Note: The Packing List does not include pricing.

2️⃣ Commercial Invoice 🧾

What is a Commercial Invoice?

A Commercial Invoice is a legal document issued by the exporter to the importer, specifying the value, price, and payment terms for the shipped goods. It is used for customs clearance, taxation, and international payments.

📌 Issued By: Exporter (Seller)
📌 Required For: Customs Clearance, Banking, and Payment Processing
📌 Purpose: Provides value & financial details of the shipment for taxation & duties.

Key Details in a Commercial Invoice

📜 Exporter (Seller) Details – Name, address, and contact.
📜 Importer (Buyer) Details – Name, address, and contact.
📜 Invoice Number & Date – Unique invoice reference.
📜 Purchase Order (PO) Number – Buyer’s reference number.
📜 HS Code (Harmonized System Code) – International tariff classification of goods.
📜 Goods Description – Name, model, specifications, and quantity.
📜 Unit Price & Total Value – Per unit cost and total invoice value.
📜 Currency of Transaction – USD, EUR, INR, etc.
📜 Payment Terms – Advance, Letter of Credit (LC), Open Account, etc.
📜 Incoterms (FOB, CIF, EXW, etc.) – Defines seller and buyer responsibilities.
📜 Country of Origin – Where the goods were manufactured.
📜 Mode of Transport & Shipping Details – Air, sea, road, or rail.
📜 Banking Details – Beneficiary bank name, account number, and SWIFT code (for payments).

Difference Between Packing List & Commercial Invoice

Feature Packing List 📦 Commercial Invoice 🧾

Purpose Describes shipment contents Specifies value & payment terms

Includes Pricing? No Yes

Required For Customs, logistics, shipping Customs, payment, and duties

Issued By Exporter (Seller) Exporter (Seller)

Used By Customs, freight forwarders, warehouse Customs, importer, banks

Legal Requirement? No Yes (for taxation & duties)

Importance of Packing List & Commercial Invoice in Trade

✅ Required for International Shipments & Customs Clearance
✅ Prevents Shipping Errors & Delays
✅ Used for Import Duty Calculation
✅ Mandatory for Payment Processing (LC, Bank Transfers, etc.)
✅ Ensures Smooth Trade Transactions