Import / Export Document Checklist
Select your commodity type, destination market, and transport mode to generate a tailored compliance checklist. Identify mandatory, conditional, and recommended documentation before goods depart.
Import / Export Document Compliance Checklist
Systematically verify that every required commercial, customs, and transport document is in order before cargo moves. Select your commodity and trade route to generate a tailored checklist.
Why Documentation Failures Cost Importers More Than Customs Duty
Missing, inaccurate, or late trade documents generate customs penalties, cargo holds, container demurrage fees, and refrigerated goods spoilage that dwarf the cost of the underlying duty. Common preventable failures include:
- ISF Late Filing: CBP imposes up to $5,000 per shipment for late or inaccurate Importer Security Filing. ISF must be submitted at least 24 hours before ocean departure.
- Incorrect HS Classification: Filing an incorrect tariff code constitutes a customs violation under 19 USC 1592. Penalties range from 20% to 40% of the value of affected goods for negligent misclassification.
- Missing FDA Prior Notice: Any food, dietary supplement, beverage, or animal feed without valid Prior Notice is automatically detained at port without exception.
- Commercial Invoice Discrepancies: If the commercial invoice value differs from the actual transaction value on file with CBP, goods may be referred for a Focused Assessment audit.