ShipReady tool

Customs Document Checklist for Small Importers and Exporters

International shipments often require a combination of commercial, transport and regulatory documents. ShipReady provides a general checklist to help users prepare questions and documents before speaking with a freight forwarder or customs broker.

Who should prepare a document checklist

Small importers and exporters preparing questions for a broker
Courier and freight shippers checking common document categories
Businesses shipping regulated or unfamiliar products
Teams collecting commercial, transport and registration documents

Shipment and customs inputs

Choose the closest options to generate a suggested document checklist.

Shipment modeImport/exportProduct categoryOrigin countryDestination countryCommercial or personal shipmentRegulated goods

Suggested checklist

Your suggested customs document checklist will appear here once you enter the shipment details.

Very important: This checklist is a general guide only and is not customs, legal or regulatory advice. Document requirements vary according to product, HS classification, origin, destination, shipment type and local regulations. Always confirm final requirements with your customs broker, freight forwarder or the relevant customs authority.

Checklist logic and confirmation points

The checklist combines common base documents with conditional items for import/export direction, transport mode, regulated goods, product category, origin, destination, and commercial or personal shipment type.

Checklist planning example

Example: A commercial air export may commonly require commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill, HS code confirmation, registration details, freight booking confirmation, and export declaration or permit if required.

Checklist assumptions to avoid

Assuming a checklist is complete for every country
Ignoring product-specific permit or certificate requirements
Treating an unverified HS classification as correct
Shipping before a broker or authority confirms requirements

FAQ

Is this checklist final for customs clearance?

No. It is a suggested checklist of commonly required documents. Customs requirements vary by country, product, HS code, and shipment type.

Do regulated goods need extra documents?

Often yes. Food, cosmetics, chemicals, electronics, batteries, medical products, and other regulated goods may need permits, certificates, or test reports.

Who should confirm the final documents?

Confirm with your freight forwarder, customs broker, courier, or local customs authority before shipping.

This checklist is a general guide only. Customs requirements vary by country, product, HS code, and shipment type. Always confirm with your freight forwarder, customs broker, or local customs authority.