a. Import License
This document gives a business permission to import goods into a county. It is used by governments to restrict the importation or to limit the amount of certain goods imported. Quotas are sometimes used to protect local industries as they specify the quantity of certain goods importers are allowed to import.
b. Certificate of Origin
This document states the country in which the goods were manufactured. This is important for Caribbean countries as goods from other Caribbean countries enter duty free. Goods imported from outside the region are taxed.
c. Shipping Note
This document provides details about the goods to be shipped, e.g. type and number of items and the destination of the goods.
d. Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is a contract of carriage between the seller of the goods (exporter) and the shipping company transporting the goods. It is also a document of title as a copy must be presented by the importer before he can claim the goods.
It includes the following information: The number of packages, the weight of each piece, the contents, the port of departure and destination, the name of the ship, the senders name and address and receivers name and address
e. Dirty Bill
If the words dirty are added to the bill of lading, then the goods delivered are damaged.
f. The Airway Bill
This document is used when goods are transported by air. It contains similar information as the bill of lading. It is not a document of title and the consignee named need not have a copy to collect the goods.
g. Insurance Certificate – (Marine Insurance)
This document provides protection for the goods being shipped against loss or damage at sea.
h. Bill of Sight
This document is completed if for any reason the documents required for importing goods are not available. It is completed giving details of the consignment and method of transportation.