Export documents
The papers that travel with every shipment
Each document set is prepared for your destination and the terms of your contract, so your customs broker has what the importing authority asks for. We are a registered exporter with the Tobacco Board of India, and registration details are available on request.
Documents table
Seven documents, and when each is issued
The exact set follows the destination and the contract, and we confirm the list with you before goods move.
| Document | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Declares the goods and value for customs; matches the contract terms. | With the document set, for every shipment |
| Packing list | Lists cartons or bags, weights and lot marks as loaded. | With the document set, for every shipment |
| Bill of lading | The carrier's receipt for the cargo and, where negotiable, the document of title. | Issued at loading; sent with the document set |
| Certificate of origin | States that the goods are of Indian origin, for the importer's customs entry. | Where the destination or contract calls for it |
| Phytosanitary certificate | Plant-health document for the consignment, in the form the importing country asks for. | Where the destination requires it |
| Fumigation certificate | Records fumigation of the cargo before shipment. | Where the destination or contract requires it |
| Quality or test report | States the figures for the lot. | Certificate of analysis per batch for dust; on request or with samples for other products |
Check current import rules with your own authority before shipment.
Responsibilities
What we prepare, and what you hold
What we prepare
- Commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading
- Certificate of origin, phytosanitary and fumigation certificates where required
- Quality or test report, and any extra papers your authority asks for, where we can supply them
What you hold
- Import permit or licence
- Customs registration
- Any destination-specific declarations
These belong to the importing business and its authority. Send us your authority's checklist and we work from it.
Business buyers only. Indileaf supplies unmanufactured tobacco to business buyers and does not supply consumers.
Incoterms
The Incoterm sets who holds which paper
Whichever Incoterm the contract names decides who arranges main carriage, insurance and import clearance, and so which documents each side prepares and holds. Under FOB (free on board) the seller loads the goods on the vessel and clears them for export, and the buyer arranges the main freight and insurance. Under CIF (cost, insurance and freight) the seller also arranges carriage and insurance to the named destination port, and the buyer handles import clearance and local charges.
For a fuller comparison, read FOB, CIF and CFR for tobacco shipments.
If you are unsure which documents your authority asks for, tell us the destination and we will list them. The markets overview has notes by destination, and the ordering and shipping page sets out the ten steps from enquiry to loading.
Questions
Export documents: the questions we hear most
Which documents come with a shipment?
The set depends on the contract and the destination. It usually includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary and fumigation certificates where required, and a quality or test report. We confirm the list with you before goods move.
Do you help with import permits?
Import permits and licences are held by the buyer. We supply the documents and specifications your authority asks for.
Who pays for fumigation?
Where the destination or the contract requires fumigation, the contract sets out who arranges and pays for it. Tell us early if your authority asks for a fumigation certificate.
Do you provide a certificate of origin?
Yes, whenever the destination or the contract calls for one. It confirms Indian origin and travels with the rest of the document set.
Do you provide third-party certificates?
We arrange third-party laboratory certificates when you want an independent figure for a lot. We do not claim laboratory accreditation or product certification of our own.
Confirm a document requirement with us
Send the product, quantity and destination, and we reply with the documents we can prepare. Email contact@indileaf.co or phone +91 80001 50037.
