International Shipping
 
Successful international shipping begins with accurate paperwork. 
 
If shipping to and from Canada, the exporter must complete and provide the following documents:
 

• Canadian bill of lading
• Shipper’s export declaration
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice / Canadian customs invoice if product valued over $1,000
• NAFTA Certificate of Origin

If shipping to Mexico, the exporter must complete and provide the following documents: 

• A United States bill of lading
• Shipper’s export declaration
• Packing list
• Commercial invoice
• For some commodities, Mexican customs requires an export license and NAFTA Certificate of Origin 

Mexican customs officials check ALL documentation.  Trailers are delayed until all discrepancies or errors are resolved.   Additionally, the commercial invoice must be provided in Spanish – translation services are normally provided by the forwarder or broker. It should also be noted that most shipments are not insured once they leave the United States and cross the border into Mexico!  Be sure to check with your carrier on insurance coverage.
 
By providing a certificate of origin, the consignee’s duties may be significantly reduced.  It proves where a product was manufactured and is required to verify that certain goods qualify for duty reduction or elimination under NAFTA.
 
If you have any questions or comments on shipping, please email me at barbsmith@tds.net or call me at 865-922-7491.