Import/Export Documentation Checklist

🚢 How to Read a Bill of Lading in Under 1 Minute If you're in logistics, freight, or international trade, you already know this: A small mistake on a Bill of Lading (B/L) can cost you big time. Here’s a quick breakdown of what really matters when checking a B/L: ✅ Shipper, Consignee & Notify Party – are they correct? ✅ Port of Loading & Discharge – do they match the routing? ✅ Container & Seal No. – any mismatch = red flag ✅ Freight Terms – Prepaid or Collect? ✅ Gross Weight, Packages, HS Codes – verified? ✅ Carrier Signature & Issue Date – legit and complete? ✅ Typos – yes, even one spelling error can delay release 🛑 Always check the draft B/L before final print. 🧠 A sharp eye here = no detention charges, no payment blocks, no customs hold-ups. I've attached a simple, clear B/L template you can refer to.

🚢✈️ Essential Documents in Air & Sea Transport Every Logistics Pro Should Know!    Global trade moves on paperwork as much as it does on ships and planes! Whether you're in #FreightForwarding, #SupplyChain, or #InternationalTrade, mastering these key documents is crucial. Here’s a quick guide:   🚢 Sea Freight Documents   📑 1. Bill of Lading (B/L)  A negotiable document serving as: Receipt of cargo by the shipping line. Contract between shipper and carrier. Title of ownership (if "to order" B/L, it can be traded). Types: Ocean B/L – For port-to-port shipments. Sea Waybill – Non-negotiable, faster release at destination. Multimodal B/L – Covers sea + land/air transport. 📃 2. Commercial Invoice Details the goods, value, and parties involved for customs clearance. 📜 3. Packing List Details cargo contents, weight, and packaging 🏅 4. Certificate of Origin Certifies the manufacturing country of goods (required for tariffs & trade agreements). 🗒️ 5. Dock Receipt Acknowledges cargo receipt at the port. 📇 6. Mate’s Receipt Temporary receipt issued when cargo is loaded onto the vessel.   📛 7. Dangerous Goods Declaration (IMDG Form)  Required for hazardous sea shipments (regulated by the IMDG Code). 📋 8. Letter of Credit (L/C) (Payment Document)  A bank-guaranteed payment method in international trade. Issuing bank, beneficiary, expiry date. Documents required for payment (e.g., B/L, invoice). 🛫 Air Freight Documents 📃 1. Air Waybill (AWB)  A non-negotiable contract between the shipper and airline for cargo transport. Serves as a receipt of goods by the airline. Acts as a contract of carriage. Provides tracking details (AWB number). Types: Master Air Waybill (MAWB) – Issued by the airline for consolidated shipments. House Air Waybill (HAWB) – Issued by a freight forwarder for individual consignments within a consolidated shipment. 📜 2. Commercial Invoice  Declares the value, description, and parties involved in the shipment for customs. Seller & buyer details Product description, quantity, unit price, and total value Incoterms (e.g., FOB, CIF) Harmonized System (HS) codes 📑 3. Packing List Purpose: Provides detailed cargo information (weight, dimensions, packaging type). Used for: Airline cargo handling Customs verification 🔯 4. Certificate of Origin (COO)  Certifies the manufacturing country of goods (required for tariffs & trade agreements). 🔺 5. Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD / Shipper’s Declaration)  Mandatory for shipping hazardous materials (e.g., chemicals, batteries). Regulations: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) for air transport. 🔒 6. Security Declaration (ACAS / ICS)  Ensures cargo complies with aviation security (e.g., no explosives).   📌 Common to Both ✔️ Customs Declarations (Export/Import) ✔️ Insurance Certificates (Protect your cargo!) ✔️ Letter of Credit (L/C) – Bank-backed payment security. #Logistics #Shipping #Freight #SupplyChainManagement #TradeCompliance #ExportImport #Maritime #Aviation #BusinessGrowth

I've interviewed 50+ senior designers in the last quarter. Two alarming trends emerged: 𝟭. Portfolio paralysis: They can't showcase their best work. 𝟮. Memory fog: They struggle to recall project details from mere months ago. The result? Panic-induced all-nighters piecing together fragmented case studies. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟬% 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 👇 Implement this habit now: • Dedicate 10% of your week to documenting your design journey. • That's just 4 hours for a standard work week. • The payoff? Weeks of future stress eliminated. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁: 𝟭. Daily Micro-Journaling (5 minutes) • Capture key decisions • Note stakeholder feedback • Record "aha" moments 𝟮. Weekly Summaries (30 minutes) • Outline sprint accomplishments • Highlight major pivots • Archive key artifacts 𝟯. Project Milestones (1 hour) • Synthesize learnings • Curate a "greatest hits" collection • Record quantitative & qualitative impact 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Set up a Notion template or FigJam board. Make documentation frictionless. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 👇 Imagine this: 6 months from now, you have: • 26 concise weekly summaries • 130+ daily entries • A curated showcase of your best work You're not just prepared for job hunting. You're primed for: • Promotions • Speaking engagements • Mentorship opportunities Remember: Your future self will thank you. Your future hiring manager will be impressed. Don't let your best work fade into memory. Document, curate, and shine. ----- I've posted about this issue recently & had some great feedback & conversations. 💬 ----- #design #tech #ux #productdesign #careers

Most import delays don't start at the port. They start at your desk - with bad paperwork. Standard Import Package: 1. Commercial Invoice  *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Broker, Importer  This document shows the sale between the buyer and seller. It lists the goods, their value, and payment terms. 2. Packing List *Prepared By:* Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Forwarder, 3PL      This list details how items are packed. It helps with inspections and logistics. 3. Bill of Lading / Air Waybill  *Prepared By:* Carrier or Forwarder   *Primary User(s):* Carrier, Customs      This is a contract for transport. It proves ownership and details the shipment. 4. Certificate of Origin *Prepared By:* Exporter / Chamber   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This document certifies where the goods come from. It can affect tariffs. 5. Import License / Permit *Prepared By:* Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs      This license allows the goods to enter the country. It’s often required for certain products. 6. Insurance Certificate *Prepared By:* Insurer / Exporter   *Primary User(s):* Importer, Carrier  This certificate shows that goods are insured during transit. It protects against loss or damage. 7. Customs Declaration (e.g., Entry Summary, SAD) *Prepared By:* Broker/Importer   *Primary User(s):* Customs     This document provides details about the goods for customs clearance. 8. Other Documents *Prepared By:* Varies   *Primary User(s):* Customs, Importer  This may include inspection certificates, MSDS, or fumigation certificates. Common Mistakes & How to Prevent Them: 1. Missing or Incorrect HS Codes   *Prevention Strategy:* Use validated tariff classifications. 2. Inconsistent Descriptions  *Prevention Strategy:* Maintain a master data sheet for SKUs. 3. Wrong Incoterms *Prevention Strategy:* Align terms across all documents. 4. No Certificate of Origin *Prevention Strategy:* Pre-check FTA eligibility and requirements. 5. Incorrect Values *Prevention Strategy:* Ensure the declared value matches the invoice. 6. Wrong Consignee Details *Prevention Strategy:* Double-check against records. 7. Expired Import Permits *Prevention Strategy:* Track license validity in a compliance calendar. Final Compliance Checklist Before Submission: Are all documents complete & accurate?  Any region-specific requirements? Have all trade parties reviewed and confirmed? Smooth imports dont just happen. They're the result of documentation excellence. CTA: If you found this helpful, follow for more trade compliance insights.

Behind every smooth shipment is a stack of perfectly prepped paperwork. One thing I’ve learned in logistics? It’s not just about moving cargo, it’s about moving with confidence. And that confidence comes from getting the documentation right, especially when dealing with sea and air transport. Having managed global movements and studied port logistics during my MBA, I can’t emphasize enough how these documents reduce risk, streamline customs, and protect your business. Here’s a breakdown of the essential documents used in sea and air freight: Sea Freight Documents 1. Bill of Lading (BOL) – The most important shipping contract. Acts as a receipt and title to the goods. 2. Packing List – Helps verify cargo content, quantity, and packaging during clearance. 3. Commercial Invoice – Details the value of goods for customs duties. 4. Certificate of Origin – Confirms where goods were manufactured. 5. Sea Waybill – Similar to BOL but non-negotiable and faster for clearance. 6. Insurance Certificate – Shows the cargo is covered in case of damage or loss. 7. Import/Export License – Authorizes the legal entry or exit of goods. Air Freight Documents 1. Air Waybill (AWB) – Acts as a contract of carriage and receipt for air cargo. 2. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) – Provides detailed shipping directions to the forwarder. 3. Commercial Invoice – Required for customs declaration and duties. 4. Packing List – Confirms the weight, dimensions, and item breakdown. 5. Dangerous Goods Declaration – Mandatory for hazardous cargo. 6. Certificate of Origin – Assists in trade agreements and duty benefits. 7. Insurance Certificate – Offers security in case of transit risks. Whether you're a student, admin, or supply chain professional, knowing these documents inside out will save time, money, and headaches. Which of these documents do you deal with the most? Or have you had any shipping drama because of missing paperwork? Drop your experience in the comments. Let’s learn from each other.

𝟭𝟱𝗖𝗕 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀, 𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗡𝘀 & 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘀 𝟳𝟬𝟬 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲: 𝗔 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗨𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 At the heart of the Rs 700 crore remittance fraud lies a powerful document: 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝟭𝟱𝗖𝗕, a chartered accountant's certificate that validates the legitimacy of foreign remittances under the Income-tax Act, 1961. This form, while routine in global transactions, was weaponized in this case to move huge sums abroad under the garb of legitimate trade. Shockingly, the accused forged dozens of 15CB certificates in the name of a reputed chartered accountant who did not know of their issuance. Banks, relying solely on the presence of these documents, allowed remittances to flow without verifying whether the CA had actually issued them. This reveals a dangerous 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝗽 in the system, where the presence of a form overrides the need to authenticate its source. Equally troubling is the 𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗡), a mandatory system introduced by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to prevent fake certifications. In this case, the fraudsters either fabricated UDINs or reused the same one across multiple forged certificates, a clear violation that should have triggered alarms instantly. But without proper UDIN verification by banks and other intermediaries, these forged documents were accepted at face value. This exposes a 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁. The whole intent behind UDIN, to add a digital trail to professional certifications, collapses if stakeholders don’t actively cross-check them on ICAI’s portal. What makes this fraud particularly alarming is not just the forgery, but how easily the system lets it happen. Professionals and institutions have the tools, 15CB verification systems, UDIN portals, and e-filing checks, but have failed to utilize them. This incident should energize the financial and compliance community to take a 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 on verification. Imagine the deterrent power if every bank required real-time UDIN authentication before processing a single rupee abroad. The lesson here is unmistakable: in the digital age, 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗱. This case isn't just another headline; it's a defining moment for chartered accountants, bankers, and compliance professionals alike. #remittance #overseas #15CB #certificates #banks #responsibility #forgery #checks #validations #incometax #taxationlaws #certificates #UDIN #charteredaccountants #ca

Pinterest revolutionised internal documentation by adopting Docs-as-Code strategy. 🚀 Docs-as-Code: a simple yet powerful approach to scale documentation alongside code. Let's understand the strategy in simple words and dive into the related tools. Pinterest engineering teams faced multiple challenges in managing technical documentation. Here were a few common ones:- 1️⃣ Outdated documentation. 2️⃣ Lack of doc centralisation resulting in knowledge fragmentation. 3️⃣ Learning curve to adopt a new documentation tool. 4️⃣ Absence of review process They solved the above challenge by:- 👉 Leveraging common Markdown format for docs in all the projects. 👉 Keeping the doc files besides the code files in every repository. 👉 Using CI/CD tooling for validating the docs. 👉 Building a centralized layer for rendering and discovering the docs. Doc centralization drew a boundary between the content and style. This allowed developers to focus only on the content than dealing with specific style nuances. The centralized tool was known as PDocs and here's how it worked:- 🎯 Each package had a yaml file that defined the doc structure. 🎯 After successful check-in, the tool scanned the yaml file in each repo. 🎯 It then rendered the recently updated documentation. 🎯 The docs were then indexed for improving the search experience. They also developed a Wiki to PDocs converter that increased the documentation by 20%. 🔥 Within two years, PDocs resulted in the following company-wide impact:- 🌐 Improved satisfaction in internal surveys. 🌐 Better experience than existing wiki-style tools. 🌐 140+ doc projects from 60+ GitHub repos written by 80+ teams. With the emergence of AI, the team has also developed features to chat with the docs in PDocs. Also, updates are pushed real-time to knowledge-store providers ensuring AI tools have the latest info. Similar to Infra-as-Code, I believe Docs-as-Code would be a game changer for software teams. One no longer needs to rely on subject matter expert or lead developer. 💡 With LLMs writing both code and the doc, it would surely accelerate the development velocity. If you have used a similar tool in the past, share your experience in the comments below. 👇 Also, do you think the product has a potential to become a SaaS offering, given that multiple companies face the same problem? 🤔 #tech #softwareengineering #softwaredevelopment

📄 Bill of Lading (B/L): The Most Important Document in Shipping In global logistics, the Bill of Lading (B/L) is more than just a shipping document it’s the backbone of international trade. A B/L serves three core functions: ✅ Proof of receipt – Confirms the carrier received the goods. 🔐 Document of title – Allows transfer of ownership. ⚖️ Contract of carriage – Outlines the transport agreement between shipper and carrier. 🎯Some Key Types of Bills of Lading Should Know: 🔹 Master Bill of Lading (MBL) Issued by the main carrier (shipping line) to the freight forwarder or NVOCC. It reflects the actual shipper and consignee on record with the carrier. 🔹 House Bill of Lading (HBL) Issued by the freight forwarder to their client. It shows the exporter and importer at the customer level and is tied to the Master B/L. 🔹 Straight B/L Non-negotiable. The cargo is consigned to a named party and can’t be transferred. 🔹 Order B/L Negotiable. Can be endorsed and transferred to others commonly used in bank-to-bank trade transactions. 🔹 Clean B/L Indicates the cargo was received in good condition with no visible damage or defects. 🔹 Sea Waybill / Air Waybill Non-negotiable transport documents used when no original is needed for delivery common for trusted shippers or fast moving cargo. 💡 Why it matters: Selecting and understanding the right B/L type helps prevent customs delays, legal disputes, and delivery issues. 🧭 Whether you're in freight forwarding, maritime logistics, or supply chain management, mastering the Bill of Lading is essential to navigating global trade.

Hate how boring and time-consuming documentation feels? Yeah, same. But here’s the thing: the more you avoid it, the more you hurt your future self and miss opportunities to showcase your skills properly. So if you want to make documentation less painful (and actually useful), here are 6 tips I use with my clients to make it faster, clearer, and more impactful: 1. Start with an overview What’s the purpose of your project? What problem did it solve? Just 3–4 lines to set the stage. Make it easy for anyone to understand why it matters. 2. Walk through your process Break down the steps: How did you collect the data? How did you clean, analyze, or model it? What tools or methods did you use? This shows how you think and how you solve real-world problems. 3. Add visuals A clean chart > a wall of text. Use graphs, screenshots, and diagrams to bring your work to life. (And bonus: you’ll understand it faster when you come back later.) 4. Show your problem-solving What roadblocks did you hit? How did you fix them? Don’t hide your struggles, highlight them. This is where your value really shines. 5. Summarize your results What did you find? Why does it matter? What’s next? Answer these three questions clearly and your audience will instantly get the impact of your work. 6.  Use a structure that makes sense Try this flow: Introduction → Objectives → Methods → Results → Conclusion → Future Work Simple. Clean. Effective. P.S: After every milestone, take 5 minutes to update your notes, screenshots, or results. Turn it into a habit. ➕ Follow Jaret André for more data job search, and portfolio tips 🔔 Hit the bell icon to get strategies that actually move the needle.

Bill of Lading (B/L) Explained If you are in shipping, logistics, or supply chain management — the Bill of Lading (B/L) is one document you cannot afford to misunderstand. It is not just a piece of paper. It is a contract, a receipt, and a document of title — all in one. Let us break down the key sections using the sample below 👇 1️⃣ Shipper The party who sends the goods — typically the exporter or seller. In our example: BEMA GMBH (Germany). 2️⃣ Consignee The party receiving the goods — usually the importer or buyer. Here: The National Commercial Bank, Jeddah. 3️⃣ Notify Party The entity to be informed upon cargo arrival — often the final receiver or agent. Here: AL-JIFRI Plastic Materials Company. 4️⃣ Vessel Name & Voyage No. Identifies the ship and its journey for traceability and scheduling. 5️⃣ Port of Loading (POL) / Port of Discharge (POD) Where the cargo is loaded onto and discharged from the vessel. Example: Hamburg Port → Jeddah Port 6️⃣ Place of Receipt / Place of Delivery Specifies where the carrier receives and delivers the goods — crucial for multimodal transport. 7️⃣ Description of Goods Detailed information on the cargo: content, type, and packaging. E.g., tableware, dish racks, trays, etc. 8️⃣ Shipping Marks Unique identifiers printed on cargo packaging for tracking and sorting. E.g., “HCE/17851” 9️⃣ Weight Total gross weight of the shipment — 6,711.38 KGS in this case. 🔟 Measurement Volume of the cargo in cubic meters (CBM) — used for freight calculation. 📘 Other Key Elements You Should Know 🔹 SCAC Code: A unique carrier identification code (e.g., “MAEU” for Maersk Line). 🔹 B/L Number: Unique reference number for tracking (e.g., 565107057). 🔹 Booking Number: Links shipment to booking confirmation with the carrier. 🔹 Rates & Charges: Section listing applicable freight charges, surcharges, and fees. 🔹 Place & Date of Issue: Where and when the B/L was issued — legally significant for contracts and claims. 🔹 Prepaid or Collect: Indicates whether freight was paid at origin (Prepaid) or at destination (Collect). 🔹 Shipped on Board Date: Confirms the actual date goods were loaded — critical for letters of credit. 🔹 Declared Value: The shipper’s stated value for insurance or liability purposes. 💡 In Summary A Bill of Lading is more than a shipping form — it is the backbone of international trade. It ensures accountability, ownership, and traceability across borders and carriers. Without it, global logistics would simply not move. 📣 Final Thought Always double-check your B/L details before shipment — one small error can cause major delays or financial losses. ✅ If you work in logistics, operations, or trade — mastering the Bill of Lading is a must.