Commercial invoice: the goods and transaction

The commercial invoice identifies the seller, buyer, goods and transaction for review. Australian exporters should confirm the overseas buyer or consignee details and agreed sale terms; importers should check the invoice from their overseas supplier. Use precise product descriptions and ask the relevant specialist what other information is needed.

Packing list: what is physically moving

The packing list should help connect the goods to their packages, quantities, dimensions and weights. Clear package references are useful when a shipment contains several types of goods or is split across separate movements. Let the coordinator know if packing changes after the first enquiry.

Transport document: the booked movement

A bill of lading relates to sea carriage and an air waybill to air carriage. For exports, check the shipper, consignee and agreed route with your coordinator before document deadlines. For imports, confirm the release arrangements and references needed at arrival. Corrections should go through the parties responsible for the actual shipment.

Supporting documents depend on the cargo

Do not assume these three documents are sufficient for every product. Origin information, product specifications or other supporting evidence may be requested. Requirements should be confirmed for the commodity and route before dispatch, using the relevant specialists and official guidance.

Every shipment has its own requirements. Our team can help you work through the details for your cargo and route.

Plan your shipment
Check the requirements for your goods. Australian Border Force: importing · DAFF: BICON import conditions. General planning information is not a customs or biosecurity decision.
Read a little further

Useful knowledge for this shipment.

Documents for an Australian export

Confirm who prepares the invoice, packing list and shipping instructions, and check the buyer or consignee details before the carrier’s document deadline. Ask which export reporting, permits or product-specific evidence apply to the goods. An export declaration or an applicable exemption is part of ABF reporting; the correct treatment depends on the shipment.

The overseas buyer should confirm destination requirements with the relevant local specialists. Do not assume Australian export reporting also clears the goods at the other end.

Official export guidance · ABF: export reporting and requirements · DAFF: exporting agricultural goods. Check requirements for the actual product and destination. This is general planning information, not a clearance decision.