Ingram Micro will produce a Commercial Invoice, the legal document used to properly declare the goods to the local Customs of the destination country, when it is required. This is typically necessary when shipping across borders (i.e. from a country to a different country), although some exceptions apply (e.g. shipments within the European Union). Ingram Micro’s processes ensure that the right document is produced when needed, and that the local Customs have what they need to calculate the applicable duties/taxes.
Ingram Micro also requires additional data for select export orders.
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International Preparation Documentation Fee Structure
The following table explains the documentation that can be prepared during an international order. At different total retail order values of a shipment, we are required to prepare different documentation. You will also find the fee that we charge for this service.
| Retail Order Value | Documentation Prepared | Fee |
|---|---|---|
Less than or equal to $2500 USD (<=$2,500 USD) |
|
$3.50 |
Greater than $2,500 USD (>$2,500 USD) |
In addition to the documents that could be prepared above:
|
$20.00 |
*Note: Not all documentation is applicable for every international order.
International Preparation Documents Glossary
The following glossary provides a short explanation of each document that may be prepared for an international order.
- Commercial Invoice
- A bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. These invoices are often used by governments to determine the true value of goods when assessing customs duties. Governments that use the commercial invoice to control imports will often specify its form, content, number of copies, language to be used, and other characteristics. To read more about the commercial invoice requirements, please click here.
- Bill of Lading
- A contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier (as with domestic shipments). For vessels, there are two types: a straight bill of lading, which is non-negotiable, and a negotiable or shipper’s order bill of lading. The latter can be bought, sold, or traded while the goods are in transit. The customer usually needs an original as proof of ownership to take possession of the goods.
- Consular Invoice
- Required in some countries, a consular invoice describes the shipment of goods and shows information such as the consignor, consignee, and value of the shipment. If required, copies are available from the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the U.S.
- Certificate of Origin
- Required by some countries for all or only certain products. In many cases, a statement of origin printed on company letterhead will suffice. The exporter should verify whether a CO is required with the buyer and/or an experienced shipper/freight forwarder or the Trade Information Center.
- Inspection Certification
- Weight and Quality certificates should be provided in accordance with governing USDA/GIPSA regulations for loading at port and loading at source/mill site as appropriate. A certificate of origin certified by the local chamber of commerce at the load port and a phytosanitary certificate issued by APHIS/USDA and fumigation certificate are to be provided to the buyer. Costs of all inspection, as well as certificates/documents at the load port, are usually the responsibility of the seller. Independent inspection certificates may required in some instances.
- Dock Receipt and Warehouse Receipt
- These documents are used to transfer accountability when the export item is moved by the domestic carrier to the port of embarkation and left with the ship line for export.
- Destination Control Statement
- Required for exports from the United States for items on the Commerce Control List that are outside of EAR99 (products for which no license is required) or controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). A DCS appears on the commercial invoice, ocean bill of lading, or airway bill to notify the carrier and all foreign parties that the item can be exported only to certain destinations. For more information, watch relevant videos: Export Compliance Introduction, and Exporting Commercial Items: ECCNs and EAR99.
- Insurance Certificate
- Used to assure the consignee that insurance will cover the loss of or damage to the cargo during transit. These can be obtained from your freight forwarder or publishing house. Note: an airway bill can serve as an insurance certificate for a shipment by air. Some countries may require certification or notification.
- Export License
- A government document that authorizes the export of specific goods in specific quantities to a particular destination. This document may be required for most or all exports to some countries or for other countries only under special circumstances. Examples of export license certificates include those issued by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (dual use articles), the State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (defense articles), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (nuclear materials), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (controlled substances and precursor chemicals).
- Export Packing List
- Considerably more detailed and informative than a standard domestic packing list, an export packing list lists seller, buyer, shipper, invoice number, date of shipment, mode of transport, carrier, and itemizes quantity, description, the type of package, such as a box, crate, drum, or carton, the quantity of packages, total net and gross weight (in kilograms), package marks, and dimensions, if appropriate. Both commercial stationers and freight forwarders carry packing list forms. A packing list may serve as conforming document. It is not a substitute for a commercial invoice. In addition, U.S. and foreign customs officials may use the export packing list to check the cargo.
- EEI (Electronic Export Information)
- This is the formal filing declaration that is electronically submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For more information on Electronic Export Information Filing, please visit our page.
- ESI (Export Shipment Information)
- Formerly known as SED (Shipper’s Export Declaration) and replaced in by the US Government as EEI (Electronic Export Information) – government form required for all U.S. exports with commodities valued at US$2,500 or higher.