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What Is Documentary Declaration & What Documents Are Required?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2026-01-19      Origin: Site

Documentary declaration is a critical link in international trade, involving the preparation, submission, and verification of a series of documents required for the import and export of goods. It not only determines whether goods can clear customs smoothly, but also directly affects an enterprise’s trade costs and operational efficiency.

1. Definition of Documentary Declaration

Documentary declaration refers to the process in which import and export enterprises prepare and submit a set of documents (shipping documents) in accordance with customs regulations, and complete customs declaration procedures when goods are imported or exported.
Customs brokers or enterprise representatives submit these documents to the customs. The customs then verifies the legality and accuracy of the goods, levies tariffs accordingly, and implements supervision and control over the cargo flow.

2. Importance of Documentary Declaration

  • Legality Verification: Ensures that the import and export of goods comply with national laws, regulations, and international treaties.

  • Tariff Assessment: Customs determines the amount of tax payable based on the information in the declaration documents.

  • Supervision & Control: Through document verification, customs can effectively supervise import and export goods, preventing smuggling and the circulation of illegal items.

  • Trade Statistics: Data from documentary declaration serves as an important basis for national trade statistics and market analysis.

3. Process of Documentary Declaration

  1. Prepare Documents: Compile a complete set of customs declaration documents based on the nature of the goods and their destination.

  2. Fill in Customs Declaration Form: Complete the form in accordance with customs requirements, including details such as goods description, value, quantity, and mode of transportation.

  3. Submit Documents: Deliver the prepared documents to the relevant customs authority.

  4. Customs Verification & Inspection: Customs reviews the submitted documents; physical inspection of the goods may be conducted if necessary.

  5. Pay Taxes & Fees: Settle the corresponding tariffs and other fees based on the customs verification results.

  6. Customs Release: After all procedures are completed, customs issues a release order, allowing the goods to be imported or exported.

4. Required Documents for Documentary Declaration

Document TypeCore Purpose
Commercial InvoiceProves the transaction details between the buyer and seller, including goods specifications, unit price, total amount, and payment terms.
Packing ListDetails the packaging of goods, such as type, quantity, weight, volume, and packaging specifications of each item.
Trade ContractThe formal agreement signed by the buyer and seller, specifying the rights and obligations of both parties regarding the goods transaction.
Certificate of OriginCertifies the place of production or processing of the goods, which is used to determine preferential tariff treatment under free trade agreements.
Export LicenseAn official permit required for the export of certain restricted goods (e.g., military supplies, hazardous chemicals).
Inspection & Quarantine CertificateProves that the goods meet relevant health, safety, and quality standards (e.g., phytosanitary certificate for agricultural products).
Transport DocumentsIncludes bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight), which certifies the mode of transportation and cargo route.
Other Special DocumentsDepending on the nature of the goods and trade requirements, additional documents may be needed, such as import quota certificates, product certification, or insurance policies.

5. Key Notes for Documentary Declaration

  • Accuracy: All information on the documents must be 100% consistent and error-free. Any discrepancy may lead to customs clearance delays or fines.

  • Completeness: Missing any required document will result in the suspension of the declaration process.

  • Timeliness: Prepare all customs declaration documents before the goods arrive at the customs to avoid delaying the clearance schedule.

  • Compliance: The content of the documents must comply with international trade rules and the laws and regulations of the importing/exporting countries.

Documentary declaration is an indispensable part of international trade. Import and export enterprises must attach great importance to this work, ensuring that all documents are fully prepared and accurate to complete the customs clearance process smoothly.


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