2018-07-16 · Hair care guide
Export Documentation Explained: What Your Factory Should Provide
Export documentation confuses more first-time buyers than any other part of the process — so here is what a factory should provide, and why each document exists.
The commercial invoice is the master document: it states the product, quantity, unit price and trade terms, and customs uses it to assess duties. The packing list details carton contents, weights and dimensions for logistics planning.
The bill of lading is the transport contract and proof of shipment — it is what your freight forwarder needs to release the cargo at destination. A certificate of origin may be required for tariff preference under free trade agreements.
For brush products, additional documents can matter: a materials declaration for wood products (relevant for EU timber regulation), and test reports such as REACH or CA Prop 65 compliance when buyers require them.
A reliable factory treats documentation as part of the product. We prepare all standard export documents with every shipment, and provide compliance documents against your checklist before production.